Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale has built a career worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.
The Atlanta Braves continue to lean on veteran ace Chris Sale as a key part of their rotation, and now the conversation around his legacy is beginning to shift from dominance to Cooperstown. Even in the later stages of his career, Sale has remained one of the most effective pitchers in baseball, adding to an already impressive track record that spans more than a decade.
Now pitching for his third organization, Sale has proven he can adapt and still perform at an elite level. His recent decision to sign a one‑year, $27 million extension for the 2027 season, which includes a $30 million club option for 2028, signals both his value to Atlanta and his desire to continue building on a Hall of Fame‑caliber career.
Around the league, that conversation is no longer hypothetical. It is becoming increasingly real. Former teammate A.J. Pierzynski made that clear during a recent appearance on the Foul Territory podcast.
“Yes, and I'll get invited to Cooperstown. He's at 57.3 WAR right now. He's got a Cy Young. He's got a World Series. What else do you have to do? He's a Hall of Famer right now. If he plays two more years, three more years, and he gets 70, let's say he gets four WAR a year; that almost puts him at 70 WAR. He's a first ballot guy, then,” Pierzynski said when asked if Sale is worthy of the Hall of Fame.
Pierzynski’s argument highlights just how strong Sale’s case already is. With 57.3 career WAR, he is firmly within range of traditional Hall of Fame benchmarks, especially for starting pitchers in the modern era. Add in his National League Cy Young Award, pitching Triple Crown, nine All‑Star selections, 2018 World Series title, Gold Glove and an ERA title, and the accomplishments become difficult to ignore.
Statistically, Sale continues to back it up. In 2025, he posted a 2.58 ERA across 125 2/3 innings with 165 strikeouts and a 1.066 WHIP, numbers that mirror his career marks of a 3.01 ERA and 2,579 strikeouts over 2,084 innings. His ability to miss bats while limiting baserunners has been a defining trait throughout his career.
For the Braves, Sale’s continued excellence is more than just a bonus. It is essential. As they push for a deep postseason run and return to the playoffs this year, having a proven ace at the top of the rotation provides both stability and championship upside.
If Sale can stay healthy and productive for a few more seasons, Pierzynski’s prediction may not just be optimistic. It could be inevitable. After all, Pierzysnki witnessed Sale during his peak years with the Chicago White Sox and likely envisioned him having this successful of a career.