The Atlanta Braves have locked up veteran left-handed pitcher Chris Sale with a contract extension that could keep him in uniform through the 2028 season, the team announced Tuesday.
Atlanta already activated an $18 million team option for the 2026 season at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, preventing Sale’s contract from expiring as originally scheduled. The new extension adds $27 million for the 2027 season, plus gives the Braves a $30 million option for 2028.
Despite battling a fractured ribcage that sidelined him for 10 weeks during the 2025 season, Sale posted a solid 7-5 record with a 2.58 earned run average. The veteran southpaw recorded 165 strikeouts, including an impressive stretch in September where he notched four games with nine strikeouts in just five starts after returning to the rotation.
Sale will celebrate his 37th birthday on March 30, which coincidentally falls on the opening game of Atlanta’s second series in the 2026 regular season.
The pitcher made a spectacular National League debut in 2024, his first season with the Braves, topping the NL in three major categories: 18 victories, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts.
Before joining Atlanta, Sale spent 13 seasons competing in the American League. He began his major league career with the Chicago White Sox in 2010 before moving to the Boston Red Sox via trade in 2017.
Over his career spanning 393 games with 312 starts, Sale has compiled a 145-88 win-loss record. His career statistics include a 3.01 ERA and 2,579 strikeouts across 2,084 innings pitched.
