If there was ever any doubt about Chris Sale being the ultimate teammate, this story should put that to rest. Over the past year, the Atlanta Braves have quickly embraced the veteran left-hander — and for good reason.
Not only did Sale dominate on the mound to secure his first Cy Young Award, but he’s also shown the kind of generosity and class that makes him a clubhouse favorite.
A Braves Season to Remember
No one can ignore what Sale accomplished in 2024. He was sensational, becoming the first National League Triple Crown winner since Clayton Kershaw in 2011.
That means Sale led the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts — a rare trifecta that puts him in elite company. After years of flirting with the Cy Young in the American League, Braves fans got to witness him finally land the award in an unforgettable season.
A Gesture That Speaks Volumes
Beyond the accolades and stats, Sale has shown how much he values the people around him. In a classy move, the Braves ace recently gifted eight members of the organization brand-new Rolex watches as a token of his appreciation.
And we’re not talking about the usual suspects here — these weren’t just for the stars. Sale made sure the unsung heroes got their due, including bullpen coach Erick Abreu, who stepped up in a big way when Rick Kranitz was away last season.
Bullpen catchers like Jose Yepez and Matt Winn were even on the receiving end of Sale’s generosity. It’s the kind of gesture that shows how deeply he understands the importance of every role on a winning team.
A True Clubhouse Leader
It’s no surprise that Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves front office were eager to extend Sale’s contract. They’ve long emphasized the importance of finding “the right guys” for the clubhouse — players who bring leadership, dedication, and a selfless spirit.
Sale checks every one of those boxes. When your ace is dishing out luxury timepieces to the staff that supports him, that clearly indicates his character.
With the season officially kicked off and his 36th birthday right around the corner, you can bet he’ll be more than ready to remind everyone why he’s one of the best pitchers in the game. After a rough start to the season, Atlanta needs him to remained locked in.
And hey, maybe another shiny award — or even a World Series ring — could be in his future. But for now, those Rolexes are a good reminder of the class act leading the Braves rotation for now.
