Braves to Activate Club Option on Chris Sale
The Atlanta Braves have decided to activate their club option on veteran left-hander Chris Sale for the 2026 season, as reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Sale will receive $18 million for his performance that year, marking a significant investment in one of baseball’s elite pitchers.
Chris Sale’s Career Highlights
At 36 years old, Chris Sale has accumulated an impressive career in Major League Baseball. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 2024, solidifying his status as one of the best pitchers of his generation. His track record includes:
- Nine All-Star selections
- Six finishes in the top five of AL Cy Young voting
- Career ERA of 3.01
- FIP of 2.88
- Strikeout rate of 30.8%, ranking him seventh all-time among starting pitchers
Recent Performance and Injury Recovery
This season, Sale showcased his dominance before an unfortunate ribcage fracture sidelined him for ten weeks. Up to that point, he had an impressive 2.52 ERA and a 2.71 FIP over 15 starts. Upon his return, he continued to excel, recording a 2.72 ERA and a 2.58 FIP in his six subsequent appearances during August and September. He struck out an astounding 36.4% of the batters he faced during this stretch.
Braves Pitching Rotation Overview
Sale’s return is crucial for an Atlanta rotation that requires stability and depth. The team is currently assessing other pitchers, such as:
- Spencer Strider, who showed potential as a Cy Young contender but ended the 2025 season with a 4.45 ERA.
- Spencer Schwellenbach, who posted a career ERA of 3.23 but faced injuries, limiting him to just 17 starts last season.
- Reynaldo Lopez, who had a remarkable 1.99 ERA in 2024 but did not pitch at all after March 28 this year.
The Braves recognize the need to bolster their pitching staff, especially given the injury concerns surrounding some of their pitchers. Despite these challenges, Sale’s presence will ensure that he likely makes his seventh Opening Day start in 2026, pending a successful Spring Training.
Conclusion
With Chris Sale firmly positioned as the ace of the rotation, the Braves are set to face the challenges of the 2026 season with confidence. As they continue to refine their roster, Sale’s experience and skill will be invaluable to the team’s ambitions.
