The Atlanta Braves’ lefty ace Chris Sale has secured the coveted National League pitching Triple Crown. Sale led the league with 18 wins, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts during the 2024 regular season. This accomplishment is no small feat and places him in elite company.
Your National League Pitching Triple Crown winner: Chris Sale 👏 pic.twitter.com/QHWz7CahpD
— MLB (@MLB) October 1, 2024
Not only did Sale dominate the National League, but he also shares this year’s pitching Triple Crown honor with Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who took the American League crown. The last time both leagues saw Triple Crown winners in the same year was back in 2011, when Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers and Justin Verlander of the Tigers claimed the honor. Kershaw and Verlander both won the Cy Young Award that season, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Chris Sale and Skubal followed in their footsteps and snagged the prestigious award as well.
Sale’s achievement marks the first time a National League pitcher has won the Triple Crown since Kershaw did it in 2011, ending a 13-year drought. The last pitcher to win the Triple Crown in either league was Shane Bieber during the shortened 2020 season, making this season extra special for the 35-year-old Braves pitcher.
Sale’s journey is what makes this year even more remarkable. After battling injuries that hampered much of his past five seasons, the left-hander turned back the clock, returning to his dominant form. Despite injuries sidelining him at the end of the season, Sale’s resilience earned him an eighth All-Star selection and recognition as the 2024 Brave of the Year, voted on by the Atlanta chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. He also snagged the National League Pitcher of the Month award in May with a jaw-dropping 0.56 ERA over five starts.
Unfortunately, Sale’s late-season back spasms have left the Braves in limbo regarding his availability for the postseason. He hasn’t pitched since September 19, and while there were hopes he’d make an appearance in the regular season finale, it’s been confirmed that Sale won’t pitch in the Wild Card round against the San Diego Padres. His status for the rest of October remains uncertain.
But no matter what the postseason holds, this season will go down as one of Sale’s finest. It’s been a revival year that not only highlights his incredible talent but also reestablishes his place among the game’s greats. Even if he doesn’t make a splash in the playoffs, Sale’s 2024 campaign will be remembered as a triumphant return to form.
