National League Cy Young winner Chris Sale admits retirement was likely after ’24 season if he stayed with Red Sox
It’s been well documented that Chris Sale’s time with the Red Sox was tumultuous. Despite winning the 2018 World Series, Sale was riddled with injuries during his tenure in Boston.
During last offseason, the Red Sox traded Sale to the Braves for infielder Vaughn Grissom. Following a turnaround season where he was healthy, Sale won the 2024 National League Cy Young Award.
If Sale had not been traded and was still with the Red Sox, he might have called it a career this offseason.
“Before I got traded last offseason, we were planning that this year was probably going to be my last year playing,” Sale said on the popular “Foul Territory” podcast. “Had one more year on my contract and actually pulled our kids out of school and did homeschool this year just so we could travel.”
Once Sale landed with the Braves, his new fresh start was exactly what the doctor ordered, capturing the Cy Young as well as the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award after he posted an 18-3 record and 2.38 ERA with 225 strikeouts and 47 earned runs in 29 starts in his first season with the Braves.
The healthy 35-year-old also led the majors with a FIP of 2.09 and an ERA+ of 174. The left-hander’s 225 strikeouts led the NL.
"The biggest thing is health," said Sale last week at Major League Baseball's All-MLB Awards Show. "I was healthy earlier in my career and I was able to sustain some success and stay out on the field. Ran into a buzz saw over the past handful of years. Just couldn't stay healthy, couldn't stay on the field, and you're not doing anything when you're not on the field."
Sale will remain in Atlanta for another two seasons after he signed an extension following the trade from Boston. His deal also includes an $18 million club option for the 2026 season.
"To be able to show my sons the hard work, the dedication, not giving up. My wife having my back the whole time. I'm sure I was real peachy at times during those injuries," Sale said to reporters this week. "I was talking to my dad the other day and whether it did or didn't happen, he was proud of me."
