Chris Sale Inks $27 Million Extension with Atlanta Braves, Includes 2028 Club Option

The Atlanta Braves have secured their ace pitcher for another season, announcing that Chris Sale has agreed to a one-year, $27 million contract extension that includes a club option for 2028. The deal ensures that one of baseballs most dominant left-handed starters will remain in Atlanta while providing the organization with flexibility for future seasons.

Sales extension represents a significant investment by the Braves in a pitcher who has rediscovered his elite form after battling injuries in recent years. The 35-year-old southpaw has been instrumental in Atlantas championship aspirations, combining his devastating slider with improved command and durability that had eluded him during previous injury-plagued campaigns.

The financial terms reflect the Braves confidence in Sales ability to continue performing at an elite level despite entering his mid-thirties. At $27 million for the 2026 season, the contract places Sale among the highest-paid pitchers in baseball, demonstrating Atlantas belief that his contributions are essential to their World Series hopes.

For Sale, the extension provides financial security while allowing him to remain with an organization that has maximized his talents and carefully managed his workload. The Braves medical staff and player development program have been credited with helping Sale maintain his health and effectiveness, making Atlanta an ideal environment for him to continue his career.

The inclusion of a 2028 club option gives the Braves additional flexibility to retain Sale beyond 2026 if he continues to perform at a high level. This structure protects the organization from long-term risk while providing Sale with the opportunity to earn additional compensation if he maintains his current production and health.

Sales presence anchors a Braves rotation that features one of the deepest collections of starting pitching talent in Major League Baseball. His veteran leadership and postseason experience provide invaluable benefits beyond his on-field contributions, making him a cornerstone of Atlantas championship window as they continue pursuing their first World Series title since 2021.