Chris Sale, a celebrated pitcher in Major League Baseball, has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the 2024 season. Initially traded to the Atlanta Braves from the Boston Red Sox, Sale was expected to complement ace Spencer Strider. However, when Strider underwent elbow surgery and missed the entire season, the burden of leading the Braves’ rotation fell on Sale, alongside fellow pitcher Max Fried, who also faced injury challenges.
Throughout the first half of the season, Sale showed that he could handle the pressure of being the ace once again. A critical question loomed: could he remain healthy enough to perform at his peak? Remarkably, Sale has avoided the injured list for the entire season, marking the first time in seven years that he has maintained his health and stayed on the mound consistently.
Sale’s performance has been outstanding, reminding fans and analysts alike of his elite capabilities. As of now, he is on track to surpass 177 innings pitched for the first time since 2017, and he has already achieved over 200 strikeouts for the first time since 2018. With an impressive record of 18 wins and a low ERA of 2.37, he leads Major League Baseball in several key statistical categories, positioning him for a potential Triple Crown achievement.
Upon his acquisition by the Braves, there were questions regarding whether Sale could recapture his past dominance, as his previous seasons had been marred by injuries. However, the seasoned pitcher has managed to adapt and maintain his health, showcasing his talent throughout the season. With six top-five finishes in Cy Young Award voting and a notable second-place finish in 2017, Sale is now on the verge of securing his first Cy Young Award.
Sale’s resurgence not only reinstates him among the elite pitchers in the league but also bolsters his Hall of Fame candidacy. With the potential to win the Cy Young and the looming milestone of 3,000 career strikeouts—currently sitting at 2,414—his legacy continues to grow. This season’s performance stands out as an improbable but remarkable achievement, illustrating that Sale still has much to offer in baseball.
