Just under a year after his trade from the Boston Red Sox to the Atlanta Braves, Chris Sale has earned his first Cy Young Award, a major accolade in Major League Baseball (MLB). This award, recognized as the pinnacle of achievement for pitchers, is bestowed upon the top performer in each league, with the National League honors going to Sale this year.
The prestigious award is named after the legendary MLB pitcher Cy Young and is determined through voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America before postseason play begins. Sale’s accomplishment comes after a remarkable season in which he garnered 26 out of 30 first-place votes.
While Sale’s teammate Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers received a unanimous vote for the American League Cy Young Award, Sale’s career has seen him frequently on the brink of winning this honor, having consistently placed in the top six for American League votes from 2012 to 2018.
Reflecting on his achievement, Sale expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m glad it worked out this way because I feel like I’m able to appreciate this moment more now. When I was young, it just kind of came to me… I can’t stress enough about everybody that helped me get here. I’m just very thankful for them.”
Sale has had a lengthy career in the majors, spending seven successful seasons with the Red Sox and six with the Chicago White Sox prior to that. He was an instrumental part of the Red Sox’s 2018 World Series victory and closed out the final inning, solidifying his status as a champion.
Despite facing challenges in later years, including multiple injuries and Tommy John surgery in 2020, Sale’s resilience has been commendable. His move to the Braves last December has evidently revitalized his career, leading to this well-deserved recognition.
Chris Sale’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, inspiring many athletes navigating similar challenges. His win not only marks a personal triumph but also serves as a reminder of the strength and determination that can lead to success against all odds. This recognition adds to the hope for a bright future as he continues to make significant contributions to his new team.