When spring training began, Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale was not shy about wanting an extension to that would allow Sale to end his career in Atlanta. Entering the final year of his deal, Sale had performed well above any expectations the team had when they acquired him from the Red Sox during the 2023-2024 offseason.
Braves fans were also begging for the Braves to give their ace an extension. This plea did not last long, as it took just one start in this year's Grapefruit League for Sale to get his wish, as the Braves inked Sale to a one-year deal for 2027 with a club option for 2028.
BREAKING: Nine-time All-Star Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a one-year, $27 million contract extension that includes a club option for $30 million in 2028, sources tell ESPN. Sale, 36, was set to hit free agency after this season but will remain in Atlanta.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 24, 2026
Braves extend Chris Sale in move that makes their future plans clear
When the Atlanta Braves acquired Chris Sale three offseasons ago, it looked like they were taking a risk on an injury-prone former ace. From 2020 to 2023, Sale had pitched no more than 102.2 innings in a season, and essentially had three full seasons wiped out due to fluky injuries.
But this didn't scare the Braves. They doubled down on that risk a few days later when they gave him an extension that included an $18 million option for 2026. The risk, as it turns out, was worth it, with both the trade and the subsequent extension becoming steals for the Braves.
Since donning the A, Sale has been one of the best pitchers in baseball, even with him missing two months because of a broken rib. The lefty is fifth among all pitchers in fWAR, with 10.0, and has a 2.46 ERA across 303.1 innings. He's been an All-Star in both seasons, winning the Cy Young and a Gold Glove in 2024.
While Sale's new deal will give him a significant raise in 2027 and potentially 2028, it is well-deserved. After making $16 million in 2024 and $22 million last season, Sale is only making $18 million this season, tied for the 83rd-highest salary in baseball this season, alongside pitchers like Merrill Kelly, Jameson Taillon, Michael Wacha, and Taijuan Walker.
Next season, Sale will earn $27 million during his age-38 season, which will still be a steal as long as he's producing like he is. His club option for 2028 is worth $30 million. This is potentially the last contract Sale signs, as he'll be 39 after the end of 2028.
Sale has been the anchor in the Braves rotation for the last two seasons, and this extension is well-earned for a pitcher who looks to be back on path for Cooperstown.