Chris Sale agrees new $27m Atlanta Braves contract extension

Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves have agreed a one-year contract extension worth $27m that prevents the pitcher from entering free agency next winter.

The deal secures the veteran left-hander’s services for the 2027 season and includes a club option for 2028 valued at $30m.

It represents the largest single-season salary the franchise has ever guaranteed to a player.

Resurgence in Atlanta

Sale has revitalised his career since joining the Braves, most notably winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2024.

Despite the team enduring a difficult 2025 campaign, the 36-year-old remained a standout performer on the mound.

He posted a 2.58 ERA and struck out 165 batters over 125.2 innings, although his season was curtailed by a rib injury.

The extension ensures the Braves retain one of the generation’s most dominant arms as they look to stabilise their rotation.

Injury history and recovery

The new agreement marks a significant turnaround for a pitcher whose career was nearly derailed by persistent injuries between 2019 and 2023.

During his tenure with the Boston Red Sox, Sale underwent Tommy John surgery and suffered various setbacks, including a fractured rib cage and a broken wrist.

However, the trade to Atlanta in December 2023 provided the catalyst for a return to elite form.

Since arriving in Georgia, he has rediscovered the velocity and slider movement that made him a seven-time All-Star earlier in his career.

Braves look to bounce back

This move comes at a critical time for Atlanta following a disappointing 76-86 record in 2025.

The club is currently managing depth issues after spring injuries to young starters Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep.

Securing Sale provides essential experience and stability to a rotation aiming to return to postseason contention.

Entering his 17th big league season, the pitcher boasts a career ERA of 3.01 with 2,579 strikeouts.