Braves’ Chris Sale caps off comeback season by winning NL Cy Young, marking a remarkable turnaround in his career.
The Atlanta Braves ace, Chris Sale, has clinched the National League Cy Young Award, triumphing over Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes and Philadelphia Phillies standout Zack Wheeler. Sale garnered an impressive 26 out of 30 first-place votes.
Despite being regarded as one of the finest pitchers of his era, Sale entered the season as a longshot for the Cy Young. The 35-year-old left-handed pitcher was traded from the Boston Red Sox during the 2023-24 offseason, primarily to alleviate salary concerns, having made only 31 starts in the previous three years due to injuries.
Upon joining the Braves, Sale quickly showcased his skills and continued to improve throughout the season. He earned his first All-Star selection in eight years and concluded the 2024 season with an impressive 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, a 1.013 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts across 177.2 innings pitched in 29 starts. Alongside Tarik Skubal in the American League, Sale became the first pitcher to achieve the pitching Triple Crown in a 162-game season since legends Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw did so in 2011.
Sale’s unexpected success was crucial for the Braves, especially after the team lost star pitcher Spencer Strider to Tommy John surgery in April. His stellar performance in 2024 propelled the Braves back into the postseason, although he was unable to pitch in the playoffs due to fatigue.
With this Cy Young Award, Sale has finally secured a major accolade that had eluded him throughout his distinguished career. Despite his dominant seasons with the Chicago White Sox and Red Sox, including a pivotal role in Boston’s 2018 World Series victory, he had never won the American League Cy Young. Now, alongside eight All-Star selections and a World Series ring, this award enhances his prospects for the Hall of Fame.
Before shifting his focus to Cooperstown, Sale remains committed to the Braves. The team extended his contract for two more years shortly after acquiring him from the Red Sox, assuring fans that he will continue to play in Atlanta.
