Chris Sale’s Remarkable Comeback Season with the Braves
During the past offseason, the Atlanta Braves made a bold move by acquiring left-handed pitcher Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox. In exchange, they sent young infielder Vaughn Grissom to Boston. Along with Sale, the Red Sox also provided $17 million to help offset the cost of his remaining contract.
At the time, Sale’s future in Major League Baseball was uncertain. His final years in Boston had been marred by injuries, significantly limiting his playing time. In 2023, he managed just 20 starts, finishing with a 6-5 record and a 4.30 ERA. That season, however, was a step forward after he had pitched in only 11 games over the previous two years combined, missing the entire 2020 season due to injury. Given his history of setbacks, many questioned whether Sale could stay healthy and be an impact player for the Braves.
A Career-Defining Season in Atlanta
Despite the doubts surrounding him, Sale not only remained healthy but also put together the best season of his career in 2024. Over 29 starts, he dominated the National League, finishing with an 18-3 record, a league-best 2.38 ERA, and an MLB-leading 225 strikeouts. His performance earned him the prestigious Pitching Triple Crown, leading the National League in wins, ERA, and strikeouts.
In recognition of his incredible season, Sale collected numerous accolades, including:
- NL Cy Young Award (the second of his career)
- Gold Glove Award (highlighting his defensive skills on the mound)
- NL Comeback Player of the Year
- Eighth-career All-Star selection
It was a remarkable resurgence for a pitcher many thought might never return to his dominant form.
Sale Almost Retired Before His Historic Season
Interestingly, Sale recently revealed on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast that he had entered the 2024 season thinking it would be his last. After years of battling injuries, he had mentally prepared himself for retirement.
“I thought that it was going to be my last year, so I went into that offseason on a mission like ‘one more year left,'” Sale admitted. “In my mind, I wasn’t walking away from baseball. I was walking away from getting hurt.”
This mindset shift proved to be a game-changer. Instead of focusing on his injury history, Sale approached the 2024 season with a sense of urgency, determined to give everything he had left. The results spoke for themselves, as he not only stayed healthy but became one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball once again.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Instead of retiring, Sale is now preparing to return to the mound for the Braves in 2025. At 35 years old, he has completely changed the narrative of his career. Instead of being remembered for his injuries, he is once again recognized as one of the game’s elite pitchers.
It will be fascinating to see if Sale can replicate his incredible 2024 performance. If he stays healthy and continues to pitch at a high level, the Braves will once again be strong contenders in the National League. One thing is certain—Chris Sale’s comeback story is one of the most inspiring in recent baseball history.
Leave a Reply