The Atlanta Braves will have Chris Sale lead their rotation once again in 2026. Sale has been one of the best pitchers in baseball for most of his career, and his resurgence in recent years has him in a quality position for earning a Hall of Fame honor someday.

Sale would probably earn the honor even if he retired today. At 36 years old, though, Sale has not displayed any signs of slowing down.

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Without further ado, here is a look at Chris Sale’s Hall of Fame case.

Sale was terrific to begin his MLB career with the Chicago White Sox. He pitched in Chicago from 2010-2016, never recording an ERA above 3.41 during that span. Although he did not earn a Cy Young Award with Chicago, Sale finished within the top five of voting on four separate occasions.

Sale joined the Boston Red Sox in 2017 and immediately made a huge impact. He finished second in AL Cy Young voting in 2017 and fourth in the voting in 2018. Additionally, Sale helped the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series.

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In 2019, though, Sale struggled and he ended up missing 2020 due to injuries. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, Sale endured ups and downs and missed time due to injury concerns. It seemed as if the southpaw was nearing the end of his career.

Sale was traded to the Braves in 2024 and everything changed. In fact, Sale looked even better than he did at times during his prime.

The left-hander recorded a stellar 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts — with both marks leading the league. He was ultimately named the NL Cy Young winner, and Sale even earned a Gold Glove for good measure. Sale was good once again in 2025, although he was limited to 21 outings.

Chris Sale has certainly had a tremendous career. His 2024 bounce back campaign may be what cements his spot in the Hall of Fame. Sale is now a Cy Young winner, World Series champion and nine-time All-Star. He has also led the league in strikeouts three times. Additionally, Sale holds a career 3.01 ERA to go along with 2,579 strikeouts.

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Hall of Famers consist of players who were able to find consistent success over a long stretch of time. Sale has accomplished that to say the least. In 2026, he will have an opportunity to add to his Hall of Fame resume, but the fact of the matter is that Sale is already on track to earn the honor in Cooperstown someday.