The Atlanta Braves are entering the 2026 season with significant question marks in their starting rotation, placing even more pressure on veteran ace Chris Sale to deliver at a high level.

Injuries have quickly thinned out Atlanta’s pitching depth. Spencer Strider is dealing with an oblique issue, while both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are expected to miss extended time following right elbow surgeries. With so many key arms sidelined, Sale’s role as the staff anchor has become even more critical.

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That importance is reflected not only internally but across the league as well. MLB announced on X its first Pitcher Power Rankings of the 2026 MLB season, and Sale was included as the ninth‑best pitcher in baseball, a strong endorsement of his continued dominance even at this stage of his career.

The Braves reinforced their belief in Sale earlier this offseason, signing him to a one‑year, $27 million contract extension on February 24. The deal keeps him in Atlanta through the 2027 season and includes a $30 million club option for 2028, signaling confidence that he can remain an elite contributor moving forward.

That confidence stems from what Sale has already accomplished since joining the Braves. Acquired from the Boston Red Sox ahead of the 2024 season in exchange for infielder Vaughn Grissom, Sale quickly proved that concerns about his durability and decline were premature.

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In his first season with Atlanta, he captured his first career National League Cy Young Award, cementing his status as one of the game’s top pitchers once again.

Across a 15‑year career, Sale has built a resume that includes nine All‑Star selections, a Gold Glove and a World Series title. He is also closing in on the 3,000‑strikeout milestone, further strengthening what already looks like a Hall of Fame trajectory.

Even in 2025, Sale remained highly effective. He made 21 appearances, posting a 2.58 ERA with 165 strikeouts across 125 2/3 innings while going 7‑5. Those numbers highlight his ability to perform at an elite level when healthy. He did spend some time on the injured list last year after fracturing his rib.

For the Braves, that last point is everything. With their rotation currently depleted, Atlanta’s chances of returning to the postseason will largely depend on Sale staying healthy and continuing to pitch like one of the best in baseball.

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If he can do that, the Braves still have a path to contention despite their early setbacks.