Chris Sale, a left-hander for the Atlanta Braves, alongside Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox, has been honored as Major League Baseball’s Comeback Players of the Year. This recognition highlights their impressive returns to peak performance after facing significant challenges.
In other award news, Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians secured his second AL Reliever of the Year Award, while Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals took home the NL honor, showcasing their dominance in the bullpen.
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers made history by winning his fourth consecutive Outstanding Designated Hitter Award, joining the legendary David Ortiz in this exclusive club.
Ohtani and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees were also honored with the Hank Aaron Awards, recognizing them as the top offensive players in their respective leagues.
These prestigious awards were announced during the All-MLB Awards Show, celebrating the achievements of these exceptional athletes.
Sale, who is 35 years old, had a standout season, finishing with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts over 177 2/3 innings. His performance marked the first pitching triple crown in the National League since Clayton Kershaw achieved it in 2011, earning him his eighth All-Star selection, the first since 2018.
Previously, Sale played a crucial role in leading the Boston Red Sox to the 2018 World Series title. However, injuries plagued him from 2020 to 2023, limiting him to just 56 starts with a 4.86 ERA. He underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2020 and made his return to the mound in August 2021.
Despite setbacks, including a rib fracture and other injuries, Sale’s resilience and talent have propelled him back into the spotlight.
Crochet, at 25 years old, finished his season with a 6-12 record and a 3.58 ERA over 32 starts, becoming a first-time All-Star. He struck out 209 batters and walked 33 in 146 innings, showcasing his potential as a rising star.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2022, Crochet made his comeback to the majors in May 2023, contributing a solid 3.55 ERA in his appearances.
Clase and Helsley were recognized unanimously by a panel of Hall of Famers, including Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera, reflecting their exceptional performances in the relief role.
Clase, a three-time All-Star, posted a remarkable 0.61 ERA, striking out 66 batters and converting 47 of 50 save opportunities. Meanwhile, Helsley, also a two-time All-Star, recorded a 2.04 ERA with 49 saves in 53 chances, further solidifying their statuses as elite relievers.
Judge’s impressive season saw him leading the majors with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs while maintaining a .322 batting average, underscoring his place among the league’s best hitters.
