Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Braves lock up 2024 Cy Young winner Chris Sale with extension

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 10:21 AM ET

The Atlanta Braves rarely make a splash in free agency, preferring instead to lock up their own stars with contract extensions. On Tuesday, Atlanta followed form by agreeing to a one-year extension with 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale.

Before locking up Sale, a nine-time All-Star, the Braves had been relatively quiet, with their biggest move the signing of closer Robert Suarez to a three-year, $45M deal.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Braves and Sale have agreed to a $27M extension with a $30M club option for 2028. The 36-year-old Sale was going to become a free agent after this season, but this extension will keep him in Atlanta for the next two seasons.

The Braves have been hit hard by injuries, with 10 players currently sidelined. Atlanta right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach recently had bone spurs removed from his elbow and could be out for an extended period.

Only the Arizona Diamondbacks have been hit harder by injuries, with 17 players injured or out for the season.

In 21 games last season (20 starts), Sale went 7-5 with a 2.58 ERA and struck out 165 in 125.2 innings.

Chris Sale will be anchor of battered Braves rotation

The Braves have battled injuries the past couple of seasons. All-Star right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is another year removed from the ACL tear he suffered in 2024, while Sale dealt with a left rib cage injury and has also battled arm and shoulder issues during his career.

Because of the injuries to the starting rotation last season, the Braves ranked 22nd in starters ERA (4.48) after having the third-best starters ERA in 2024 (3.58 ).

A healthy Sale and Spencer Strider will give the Braves a strong 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. But because of Schwellenbach's uncertain status, the rest of the rotation must step up.

All-Star right-hander Reynaldo Lopez is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and should be a solid third starter. Right-hander Bryce Elder and left-hander Joey Wentz are likely to fill out the rotation.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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