Chris Sale has continued to surpass expectations with the Atlanta Braves.
The Atlanta Braves enter the 2026 MLB season with one of the most experienced and decorated pitchers in baseball anchoring their rotation. Chris Sale, now in his third year with the Braves, has become a vital piece of the team’s pursuit of another postseason run.
Known for his competitiveness and devastating fastball-slider combination, Sale has long been considered one of the most intimidating left-handers of his generation.
His arrival in Atlanta via trade from the Boston Red Sox in December 2023 gave the Braves a proven ace with championship pedigree, and despite injuries, he has continued to deliver high-level performances.
As the new season approaches, MLB Network offered a reminder of Sale’s standing among the game’s elite.
In its annual Top 100 Players Right Now list, Sale was ranked No. 38 overall, a placement MLB shared in an announcement on X this Monday.
The recognition underscores his continued value as one of the premier pitchers in the sport, even as he enters his age-37 season.
Sale’s 2025 campaign was marked by both dominance and resilience. He posted a 7-5 record with a 2.58 ERA, 165 strikeouts and a 1.07 WHIP across 125 2/3 innings of work.
Those numbers came despite missing nearly two months with a fractured rib while fielding a ground ball, a freak injury that sidelined him during the summer. When healthy, Sale remained one of the most effective arms in the National League, showcasing the swing-and-miss stuff that has defined his career.
The Braves exercised his $18 million option for 2026, signaling their confidence in his ability to remain a frontline starter.
For a rotation that includes Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, Sale’s presence provides balance, leadership and postseason experience.
His track record includes nine All-Star selections, a Gold Glove, a Cy Young Award, a World Series ring with Boston in 2018 and the distinction of being the fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach 2,500 strikeouts, doing so in just 2,026 innings.
Being ranked inside the top 50 at this stage of his career reflects both respect from analysts and acknowledgment of his ability to change games when on the mound.
While durability remains the key question, Sale’s placement on MLB’s list affirms that he is still viewed as one of the sport’s most valuable pitchers. For the Braves, his continued excellence could be the difference between an early playoff exit and a deeper October run.