The Atlanta Braves have secured veteran left-hander Chris Sale with a one-year contract extension that keeps him with the team through the 2027 season, including a club option for 2028. Originally set to become a free agent this winter, Sale will now earn $27 million in 2027, with the 2028 option valued at $30 million, according to reports from ESPN’s Jeff Passan and MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. This agreement ensures Sale’s continued presence in Atlanta’s rotation over the coming years.
Sale’s Impact Since Joining Atlanta
At nearly 37 years old, Sale continues to perform at a high level despite entering the later stage of his career. The Braves acquired him before the 2024 season from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Vaughn Grissom, a trade that has proven to be highly beneficial for Atlanta. Since joining the Braves, Sale has posted an impressive 2.46 ERA alongside a 2.38 FIP, maintaining a strikeout rate of 32.2% and a walk rate of just 5.9%. These elite numbers earned him his first Cy Young award in 2024. However, his total innings pitched stands at 303 1/3, limited by a rib cage injury that sidelined him during part of the 2025 season.
Future Outlook for Sale and the Braves
With this extension, the Braves reaffirm their confidence in Sale’s ability to anchor their pitching staff despite occasional health challenges. His continued presence provides Atlanta with a reliable veteran arm as they aim to maintain their competitiveness in the coming seasons. The move also reflects a strategic decision to retain proven talent, which could play a crucial role in the team’s postseason ambitions.
BREAKING: Nine-time All-Star Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a one-year, $27 million contract extension that includes a club option for $30 million in 2028, sources tell ESPN. Sale, 36, was set to hit free agency after this season but will remain in Atlanta.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 24, 2026
Confirmed: Chris Sale and the Braves have agreed to a one-year, $27 million extension that includes a $30 million option for 2028. @JeffPassan had it first
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 24, 2026
