In an unexpected MLB transaction, Chris Sale (along with a substantial cash package) was suddenly traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Atlanta Braves for soon-to-be 23-year-old infielder Vaughn Grissom.
Sale was set to earn $27.5 million in 2024, with Boston covering nearly 62% of that amount by including $17 million in the deal. The 35-year-old pitcher joined an Atlanta starting rotation that already featured Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton, and Max Fried.
This astute move by Braves President of Baseball Operations & General Manager Alex Anthopoulos became even more valuable when rising star Spencer Strider required season-ending elbow surgery in early April.
**From 1st Round Pick to One of the Best Arms in Baseball**
Chris Sale, a product of Florida Gulf Coast University, was drafted in the 1st round by the Chicago White Sox in 2010, during Barack Obama’s second year as president.
After a brief stint at High-A, Sale dominated Triple-A with a 21.32 K/9 in relief. He joined the White Sox later that year, posting a 1.93 ERA and 12.3 K/9.
Initially relying on a sinker, slider, and occasional changeup, Sale transitioned to a starting role in 2012. Over the next seven years, he accumulated 39.2 fWAR and received seven consecutive All-Star nominations. He consistently ranked in the top six of Cy Young Award voting, finishing second in 2017, his first year in Boston.
Sale earned a World Series ring in 2018, as the Red Sox defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.
**Overcoming Injury and Making a Comeback**
In 2017, Sale added a four-seamer to his arsenal, complementing his elite slider and effectively replacing his sinker. He achieved a career-high 7.6 fWAR that season.
After battling a series of injuries—including a broken wrist, fractured finger, fractured rib, and Tommy John surgery—Sale surpassed 100 innings pitched in 2023 for the first time since the pandemic began.
With a lethal slider boasting a 40.2% Whiff rate and a four-seam fastball clocking 95 mph, Sale has been highly effective through eight starts in 2024, achieving an ERA+ of 162. While not quite the dominant pitcher of his prime, Sale is on track for his highest fWAR and innings pitched since 2018. In 49 innings this season, he’s 6-1 with a 0.89 WHIP, 11.05 K/9, and a .271 BABIP—his best as a starter.
Sale remains tied with Blake Snell as the all-time MLB leader in strikeouts per nine innings, with just over 11.
**Mixed Results in October?**
Chris Sale’s postseason record is less impressive on paper: in 10 games (7 starts), he’s 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA and 1.44 WHIP, having given up 7 home runs in 34 innings.
However, he does have a World Series ring. Despite not having his best stuff, Sale outdueled Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the 2018 World Series, helping Boston secure an 8-4 victory. He also closed out the final game, striking out the side in the 9th inning to clinch the title.
Given the Braves’ current 99.1% chance of making the postseason, a healthy Chris Sale could significantly bolster their October threat.
**What About Grissom?**
Vaughn Grissom, who showed promise with the Braves in 2022 while filling in for an injured Ozzie Albies, has struggled significantly. Currently, he’s hitting .171 with a -6 wRC+, struggling to maintain his spot at the big-league level after being an 11th-round choice in the 2019 Amateur Draft.
