The Atlanta Braves made one of the easiest decisions this offseason, exercising their club option on left-handed ace Chris Sale for the 2026 season. The move keeps the 36-year-old Cy Young winner in Atlanta for $18 million, a bargain price for a pitcher of his caliber.

Sale’s Dominant 2025 Campaign Despite Injury Setback

Sale put together another great season for the Atlanta Braves, posting a 2.52 ERA with 165 strikeouts across 15 starts. His year took an unexpected turn in June when he suffered a ribcage fracture while making a diving play on a Juan Soto ground ball. The injury sidelined him for ten weeks, but Sale demonstrated his veteran toughness by finishing that inning before anyone realized the extent of his injury.

The veteran southpaw’s return to action proved he hadn’t lost a step. Over his final six starts, Sale maintained a 2.72 ERA while striking out 52 batters in just 36⅓ innings – a dominant 36.4% strikeout rate that reminded everyone why he remains one of baseball’s elite arms.

Hall of Fame Resume Speaks Volumes

This decision by the Atlanta Braves becomes even easier when examining Sale’s decorated career. The nine-time All-Star claimed his first Cy Young Award in 2024 after capturing the pitching Triple Crown with 18 wins, 225 strikeouts, and a 2.38 ERA. His career numbers tell the story of sustained excellence: a 3.01 ERA, 2.88 FIP, and 30.8% strikeout rate that ranks seventh all-time among starting pitchers.

Sale’s peak years saw him finish in the top five for AL Cy Young voting six times before finally capturing the NL Cy Young award last season. Despite injury concerns throughout his career, his relatively low innings total actually works in his favor as he approaches his 37th birthday in March, suggesting less wear on his valuable left arm.

Braves Rotation Faces Uncertainty Beyond Sale

While the Atlanta Braves can count on Sale as their ace, questions surround the rest of their starting rotation. Spencer Strider disappointed with a 4.45 ERA in 2025 after showing Cy Young potential in previous seasons. Spencer Schwellenbach owns a solid 3.23 career ERA. Sale should provide the Atlanta Braves with some certainty for 2026.