ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves have secured left-handed pitcher Chris Sale with a new contract worth $27 million for the 2027 season, further solidifying their pitching rotation. The seasoned 36-year-old had a stellar performance in his first season with the Braves, clinching the 2024 NL Cy Young Award.
As part of the agreement, there is also a $30 million team option for 2028, showcasing the Braves’ confidence in Sale’s abilities. The team originally acquired him from the Boston Red Sox in December 2023, where he signed a restructured two-year deal worth $38 million, including an $18 million club option, which the Braves exercised last November.
Sale has showcased impressive stats during his time with Atlanta, boasting a 25-8 record and a remarkable 2.46 ERA across 49 starts and one relief appearance. He has been named an All-Star twice with the Braves, bringing his career total to nine selections.
Throughout his 15-season major league career, Sale has a record of 145-88 with a 3.01 ERA, striking out 2,579 batters over 2,084 innings pitched. His career strikeout rate of 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings leads among pitchers with 1,500 or more innings, highlighting his effectiveness on the mound.
Despite facing adversity with multiple injuries during his tenure with the Red Sox, including nine trips to the disabled list—primarily due to shoulder and elbow issues—Sale has rejuvenated his career with the Braves. He underwent Tommy John surgery on March 30, 2020, but made a successful return to the big leagues on August 14, 2021. His resilience and performance with Atlanta provide a hopeful outlook for the franchise as they look to build on their recent successes.