Chris Sale's Cy Young push highlights the value of veteran pitchers

This isn’t just a subtle adjustment; it's a complete evolution in his strategy. His slider, now his go-to pitch, has a putaway percentage of 28.7 percent, the highest among all his pitches and a key to his success this season.

It’s easy to overlook Sale’s season in a league obsessed with velocity. He doesn’t have the 98 mph heat that once made him feared, but he's proving that there's more to pitching than pure speed. 

Sale is thriving by outsmarting hitters, crafting at-bats where they’re forced to respect his mastery of movement and placement. No longer able to hide his slider as a deceptive surprise, Sale has adapted. Even without the advantage of surprise, his success speaks to his precision and understanding of hitters' tendencies.

The Braves’ decision to take on Sale’s contract wasn’t without risk. Sale had struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, and many believed his best years were behind him. 

But in a season where Atlanta’s roster has been hit hard — with Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. both missing significant time — the Braves needed a steady arm to anchor their rotation. Sale has filled that role to perfection. 

Atlanta is currently tied with the Mets for the final wild-card slot, and without Sale’s contributions, it might not even be in the hunt, given the pitcher is worth 5.9 bWAR, which leads the majors.

Even Braves manager Brian Snitker has been amazed by Sale's resurgence. “How he does what he does is amazing to me,” Snitker told MLB.com's Mark Bowman after Sale’s season-high 113-pitch effort.

What Sale’s success highlights is a larger issue in how teams value players today. As younger players on team-friendly contracts rise through the ranks, older veterans often see their value decline simply because of their price tag. 

Sale, for instance, was traded as part of a salary dump, a move that seemed more about financial flexibility than performance potential. Yet here he is, showing that teams may be prematurely overlooking the value of experience, especially in key positions like starting pitching.

It’s also a reminder that baseball is about more than just power and speed. Sale’s command, his ability to reinvent himself mid-career and his leadership on a team fighting for a playoff spot prove that the veteran arm still has a place in today’s game. 

The Braves rolled the dice on Sale — and it’s looking like the best bet they’ve made all season.