Why Health is the Biggest Key for Success For Chris Sale in 2024

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On December 30th, 2023 Chris Sale and $17 million were traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for former top prospect Vaughn Grissom. Shortly after, Sale and the Braves agreed to a 2 year, $38 million extension. If Sale can stay healthy and perform at a solid level, the Braves can decide to pick up Sale’s team option of $18 million for the 2026 season.

Health has been a question for Chris Sale for the past few seasons. With only a total of 31 games started since the 2021 season, the seven-time All Star has been decimated with injuries as of late. In 20 games started last season for the Red Sox, Sale posted a 6-5 record with a 4.30 Earned Run Average (ERA). When healthy, there is no denying that Sale has been one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Sale will be looking to bolster a starting rotation that finished seventh in the National League in ERA last season. Rounding off a rotation that currently features Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Charlie Morton, and Bryce Elder; Chris Sale is projected to be the fourth starter in the rotation. This will be a major change for Sale, but a change that can potentially bold well for him and his health.