Chris Sale is reminding everyone that last year’s Cy Young wasn’t a swan song with the Atlanta Braves. It might’ve just been the beginning of his late-career masterpiece.
The Braves ace delivered another electrifying performance Monday night, firing seven innings of one-run ball and striking out 10 in yet another showcase of command, confidence, and flat-out filth. It was Sale’s fifth straight outing, allowing one earned run or fewer while going at least five innings. This stretch isn’t just good—it’s historic.
Chris Sale Building a Case—Again
The ERA is down to 2.79. The strikeouts are piling up. His latest punchout party pushed him past AJ Burnett on the all-time strikeout list. But it’s the trend that should have hitters and award voters paying attention. In his last nine starts, Sale’s ERA is a microscopic 1.41. His season started with a few hiccups—he was sitting at 4.84 just six weeks ago—but that feels like a lifetime ago.
The turnaround has been jaw-dropping. And if history is any indication, Sale has a habit of heating up as the season stretches into summer. This is the same pitcher who led the National League in ERA, wins, and strikeouts last year to capture the pitching Triple Crown and a long-overdue Cy Young. Right now? He’s trending toward that rarefied air again.
One Eye on Skenes, the Other on Consistency
Of course, this year’s race won’t be a solo jog. Paul Skenes—last year’s Cy Young runner-up—is shoving for Pittsburgh and will remain a massive hurdle. But the path to a second trophy isn’t about dethroning one guy in June. It’s about staying dominant through October.
Sale doesn’t need the others to collapse—though a few stumbles wouldn’t hurt. What he can do is keep stacking starts like this. Punchouts. Efficiency. Presence. He’s moved into the top 20 in ERA and is climbing. If he keeps pitching like this, the numbers will catch up. The chatter will grow.
Let’s not forget the All-Star Game. With the Braves’ inconsistent season so far, Sale might be the clearest bet for Atlanta’s representation. If selected, it would mark a well-earned recognition of a remarkable rebound—and possibly a preview of bigger honors to come.
The Road Back to the Top For Braves Ace
We’ve seen it before. Sale was counted out early last season, only to roar back and dominate. The script is playing out again—same doubt, same correction, same results.
If you thought Chris Sale was finished writing his legacy, think again. He’s got the pen in hand, the fastball firing, and the Cy Young conversation getting louder by the week.
