The Atlanta Braves have gotten more than they could have ever expected from lefty ace Chris Sale. Trading for him ahead of the 2024 season was a very risky move, as he struggled to stay healthy for several years.
Fortunately for the Braves, he has found a way to be on the field and rewarded them with an incredible season in 2024. Sale won his first Cy Young Award that season, as he made 29 starts with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts.
Not long after they acquired him, they signed an extension worth $38 million to keep him through 2025. He gave them another great season in 2025, with a 2.58 ERA and 165 strikeouts over 21 starts. A freak rib injury kept him from pitching more, but he's learned he probably shouldn't dive like that anymore.
It was an easy decision to pick up his $18 million option, despite that injury. The results have spoken for themselves. This spring, Sale mentioned he'd like to finish his career in Atlanta, and Alex Anthopoulos seemed to agree.
He received a one-year extension for the 2027 season worth $27 million, including a club option worth $30 million for 2028. That's a $57 million extension for one of the best pitchers in baseball. It is a wise investment, but it could make things interesting for another fan-favorite. Whether fans like it or not, tying up that much money for Sale could make negotiating an extension for Ronald Acuna Jr. problematic.
Chris Sale's recent extension could have an effect on Atlanta's ability to extend Ronald Acuna Jr.
Acuna has two club options remaining worth $17 million for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. He hits free agency in 2029. Braves fans would like for that not to happen. Every time their favorite players have hit the open market in recent years, they've left Atlanta.
The time is now to go ahead and secure Acuna's spot as a Brave for a few more years. However, having that much money tied up in Sale could make that a bit harder. Why would that make things harder? Well, it has a lot to do with the fact that the Braves have more to consider than just keeping Acuna.
The Braves need a long-term shortstop, and Raisel Iglesias will hit free agency again after 2026. Those are two very big positions to fill. Robert Suarez could naturally take over as closer, but Atlanta would then need a reliable setup man.
Shortstop is tough because there are some budding prospects like Alex Lodise who could take the reins next season. However, that's not guaranteed because he's yet to have a full professional season under his belt. The Braves may have to look to sign or trade for a full-time shortstop until one of their many shortstop prospects is ready to take over. Having to do all three things at one time could be extremely difficult even for a team that has the resources the Braves have.