The Atlanta Braves announced an update on left-hander Chris Sale with Opening Day just one week away.
The Atlanta Braves have officially made their decision for Opening Day, and it comes as no surprise given who has led their pitching staff over the past two seasons. Veteran left‑hander Chris Sale will once again take the ball to begin the year, reinforcing his status as the ace of Atlanta’s rotation.
Atlanta confirmed the news on social media on Friday, signaling confidence in Sale despite the ups and downs that have defined parts of his 15-year career. “Your 2026 Opening Day Starter: Chris Sale 🔥 #BravesCountry,” the Braves wrote on X.
The announcement comes at a crucial time as the organization looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them miss the postseason.
For Sale, this marks his second consecutive Opening Day start with Atlanta, and it is well deserved. Even at 36 years old, he remains one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball when healthy.
After being acquired from the Boston Red Sox in December 2023 in exchange for Vaughn Grissom, the move has proven to be one of the biggest steals in recent memory for the Braves.
In his first season with Atlanta in 2024, Sale delivered a historic campaign, capturing his first career Cy Young Award while reestablishing himself among the league’s best arms. He has followed that up with continued success in 2025, earning back‑to‑back All‑Star selections and anchoring a rotation that has otherwise dealt with inconsistency and injuries to many of its key players.
Last season, Sale made 20 starts, posting a 2.58 ERA with 165 strikeouts across 125 2/3 innings. He fractured his rib cage and spent a couple months on the 60-day injured list. While durability has long been the biggest question mark throughout his career, his effectiveness when on the mound is undeniable.
The Braves are hoping he can stay healthy enough to approach 30 starts this season, which would significantly boost their chances of returning to contention in the National League East.
Atlanta has already shown its belief in Sale’s future with the club. In February, the team signed him to a one‑year, $27 million extension for the 2027 season, which also includes a $30 million club option for 2028. That commitment underscores how valuable he remains to their long‑term plans.
As Opening Day approaches, the Braves will once again rely on Sale to set the tone. If he continues performing at an elite level, Atlanta’s path back to the playoffs becomes much clearer.