Chris Sale, the Atlanta Braves’ left-handed ace, has achieved one of baseball’s most prestigious honors. On Wednesday night, the 35-year-old was named the National League Cy Young Award winner, becoming the Braves’ first recipient since Tom Glavine in 1998. Sale’s story is one of resilience and redemption, proving he still has the fire and talent to excel at the highest level.
A Long Road Back to the Top
Sale’s journey to this award wasn’t easy. Plagued by injuries that kept him off the mound for most of 2020–2023, the former Boston Red Sox star endured doubts about whether he could return to elite form. Yet, in 2024, Sale defied expectations with a career-defining season. He led the league in wins (18), ERA (2.38), and strikeouts (225), capturing the National League Triple Crown for pitchers—an achievement last accomplished by Clayton Kershaw in 2011.
At 35, Sale becomes one of the oldest first-time Cy Young winners in MLB history, joining a select group that includes legends like Early Wynn and Dennis Eckersley. Reflecting on the achievement, Sale expressed deep gratitude:
“When things get taken away and you get them back, you learn to appreciate it a little bit more,” Sale said. “This year, I slowed down and embraced baseball like never before.”
A Historic Season with the Braves
Sale’s 2024 numbers place him in rarefied air. Beyond his Triple Crown stats, he posted a league-best 6.4 fWAR and a 2.09 FIP, cementing his dominance on the mound. His performance earned him 26 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
The Braves have a rich history with the Cy Young Award, with previous winners including Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Warren Spahn. Sale expressed humility when reflecting on joining such an elite group:
The Comeback Player of the Year
Earlier this month, Sale was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year, a testament to his perseverance. He missed the Braves’ postseason Wild Card Series against the Padres due to back discomfort, but his contributions during the regular season carried the team to October. Despite the setback, Sale’s resurgence has reignited discussions about his Hall of Fame potential.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, Sale is the first pitcher to finish in the top five of Cy Young voting for five consecutive years, then miss the top five for the next five, only to reclaim the honor later. It’s an extraordinary example of longevity and determination.
Sale’s Career Milestones
Before this season, Sale had come close to winning the Cy Young Award several times. He finished second in 2017 and third in 2014 while pitching in the American League. His six top-five finishes were the most in MLB history without a win—until now.
This year, he also came tantalizingly close to leading the majors in strikeouts, finishing just three behind Detroit’s Tarik Skubal. Had Sale achieved that, he would have been MLB’s first overall Triple Crown winner since Johan Santana in 2006.
The Braves’ Cy Young Legacy
The Braves now boast eight Cy Young Awards, solidifying their place among the elite pitching franchises in MLB history. Their eight awards rank behind only the Dodgers, who lead with 12. Here’s a look at Atlanta’s Cy Young winners:
| Year | Pitcher | Award Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Warren Spahn | 1 |
| 1991, 1998 | Tom Glavine | 2 |
| 1993–1995 | Greg Maddux | 3 |
| 1996 | John Smoltz | 1 |
| 2024 | Chris Sale | 1 |
Maddux, who announced Sale’s win on MLB Network, praised his achievement: “Chris earned this. Watching him bounce back from adversity this season was inspiring.”
What’s Next for Sale?
Sale’s performance this year raises questions about his future. Will he continue to dominate into his late 30s? With his durability still a concern, many fans and analysts are eager to see how he builds on this milestone.
For now, Sale stands as a symbol of perseverance, a player who overcame immense challenges to reach the pinnacle of his profession. As the Braves celebrate their ace, fans are left wondering if there’s more magic to come.
