Atlanta Braves fans have come to expect top-tier pitching, and as the 2025 season approaches, their rotation remains a force to be reckoned with. Veteran left-hander Chris Sale is set to lead the way, reaffirming his place as one of baseball’s elite pitchers. According to Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, Sale ranks third overall in their annual power rankings of MLB aces, a reflection of his remarkable resurgence and dominance on the mound.
After struggling with injuries in previous seasons, Sale returned to peak form in 2024, posting a league-best 2.38 ERA, 2.09 FIP, and 6.4 WAR over 177.2 innings. His impressive 18-3 record, paired with 225 strikeouts and an 11.3 K/9 rate, cemented his status as a legitimate Cy Young contender and the leader of Atlanta’s pitching staff.
“When Sale is healthy, he might be the hardest pitcher in baseball to hit,” Kelly observed. “He was finally healthy again in 2024 and led the sport in multiple categories, including ERA, FIP, and WAR.”
As perennial National League contenders, the Braves are depending on Sale to be the cornerstone of their rotation as they aim for another deep postseason run. His lethal slider and precise command make him a nightmare for hitters, particularly left-handers, and his presence at the top of the rotation provides much-needed stability for a team with championship aspirations.
Sale’s performance in 2025 will be a crucial factor in Atlanta’s quest to return to the World Series. If he remains healthy and delivers another dominant season, the Braves’ pitching staff could once again rank among the best in baseball. As Kelly put it, “If you asked hitters around the league which pitcher they’d least like to face, especially lefties, Sale would probably be the most common answer.”
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