As the Atlanta Braves continue to take fans on a rollercoaster ride, veteran pitcher Chris Sale is quietly having an incredible season. One that is going overlooked due to the team's inconsistent performance and bullpen frustrations.
After struggling to start the season, Sale is more than doing his part to fix the team's issues. This includes going seven innings in three of his last five starts as of June 16, while the other two were six-inning outings that also went well. When the Braves have needed stability most, the starter has done everything within his power to help turn the tide. It is an often underappreciated effort that the Braves have inconsistently taken advantage of.
Sale's 4-4 record reflects both the struggles that defined the start of the season and inconsistent offensive production that has prevented the team from taking full advantage of the veteran's production. Still, it serves as a reminder of what a great addition the starter has been and how much potential the Braves have wasted by refusing to spend to make obvious upgrades in the 2025 season.
Braves LHP Chris Sale is Quietly Dominating in 2025
Sale's production resulted in the Braves moving up the veteran's most recent scheduled start to allow Atlanta to match Sale up with the division-leading New York Mets. It was a move that shows the team is still thinking about attempting to make up ground and compete in what appears to be a lost season. While there has been some speculation that the Braves could become sellers if things don't improve, those moves cannot include Sale.
Trading the reigning National League Cy Young winner would be a huge mistake, a season after losing Max Fried and Charlie Morton. A top trio of Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach gives the Braves the needed group to match up with anyone in the postseason. This cannot be traded away even if the team is forced to become a seller before July's deadline.
The Braves would be wise to look at it as a one-year reset and move only veterans who don't factor into the team's plans or expiring contracts. Sale still has time left on his deal and would be a huge contributor in the 2026 season.
No matter how the season plays out, Sale's dominance demands the Braves continue to believe in the team's potential and refuse to trade the building block regardless of how the season finishes.