The Atlanta Braves and Chris Sale recently agreed to a $27 million contract extension with a club option for 2028. Sale recently provided a behind-the-scenes look at how the extension came to fruition, via Baseball Isn’t Boring.
Sale said the discussions began from a conversation about a potential lockout in 2027. He was wondering if a 2027 extension would carry over into 2028 if a lockout were to occur. Sale’s situation was apparently then used as an example by the person discussing the situation. As part of the example, the idea of Sale receiving a one-year contract was used.
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Sale then said he made a joke, stating, “You know I don’t turn down contracts.”
Apparently, that joke is what got the ball rolling.
Sale was then asked if he was serious, to which he said yes. The southpaw later called his agent and everything ended up coming together.
At 36 years old, Sale still looks like one of the best pitchers in the game. He recently enjoyed a strong spring training outing, and he’s been incredible over the past couple of years.
Sale won the National League Cy Young Award in his first season with the Braves in 2024. That season, he pitched to a league leading 2.38 ERA. Sale also led the league with 225 strikeouts.
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Sale’s 2025 did not go exactly to plan, as he missed some time due to injury. He was still able to make 21 appearances and ended up pitching to a 2.58 ERA.
The Braves clearly believe Sale has more left in the tank. He was set to enter free agency after the 2026 campaign, but now there is a chance that he will pitch for the Braves through 2028. At the very least, his contract is guaranteed through the 2027 season.
It is not everyday that a pitcher in his mid-30’s signs a contract extension. Many pitchers at 36 years old are on the verge of retirement. Sale isn’t just pitching at a respectable level, but he’s still turning in an elite performance. As a result, the Braves likely felt comfortable giving him a one-year extension with a club option.
Even if Sale finally displays signs of decline, their current commitment is not for too long. If he continues to perform at a high level, Atlanta can decide to keep him around for 2028.