Chris Sale admits he wants to retire as a Red Sox

Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale is expected to return to the mound this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020. 

It'll mark his fifth season (fourth season playing) as a member of the Red Sox and the 31-year-old can't imagine playing anywhere else for the remainder of his career. 

"One hundred percent," Sale told WEEI's Greg Hill on Friday when asked if he wanted to retire in Boston. "I have nowhere else to go. I have nowhere else to be. This place is top-notch. They're unbelievable. I like it here. I love it here. I feel comfortable here. They take care of me. They take care of my family. And we win. Check the books, man. Check the books. We win. That's what we're here to do and that's what we do a lot of. I would like to get back to that."

Sale has an opt-out option after the 2022 season, but these comments indicate he likely doesn't plan on becoming a free agent. The seven-time All-Star is under contract through 2024 and has a club option for 2025.

Sale is expected to head a rotation in 2021 that includes Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Richards and Martin Perez. He'll be looking to replicate his 2018 campaign when he went 12-4 with a 2.11 ERA, 0.861 WHIP and 237 strikeouts in 158 innings.