Atlanta Braves' starting pitcher, Chris Sale, has been named the 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner, capping off a remarkable comeback season. Sale, 35, who spent the majority of his career as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball, is now a pivotal force for the Braves after bouncing back from a series of setbacks in recent years.
Dominant 2024 Campaign
In a season full of impressive numbers, Sale finished with 177 2/3 innings pitched, 225 strikeouts, a 2.09 FIP, and a 2.38 ERA, showcasing elite performance on the mound. Despite facing tough competition, notably from Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies, Sale came out on top. Wheeler, who finished second, garnered four first-place votes out of the 30 cast, but Sale dominated the voting with 26 first-place votes, securing his first Cy Young Award in the National League.
A Complete Reclamation
This victory comes on the heels of Sale being named the National League Comeback Player of the Year just a week earlier. His 2024 season was nothing short of a redemption story, especially after a turbulent period in Boston. Sale’s performance also earned him the prestigious NL Triple Crown, as he led the league in ERA, strikeouts, and wins with 18. It’s been a long road for Sale, who struggled with injuries over the past few years but managed to put together a stellar season in Atlanta.
Before this year, the last Braves pitcher to win the Cy Young Award was Tom Glavine in 1998, making Sale’s achievement even more historic for the franchise.
A Legacy of Excellence
Chris Sale’s career trajectory has been filled with highs and lows, but his dominance as a starting pitcher has been undeniable. Originally drafted 13th overall by the Chicago White Sox in 2010, Sale quickly emerged as one of the league’s top pitchers, making his MLB debut the same year. He went on to have a seven-year stretch where he made multiple All-Star appearances and finished in the top six of Cy Young voting each season. His move to the Boston Red Sox in 2016 did little to slow him down, and he continued to be one of the best in the game.
However, in recent years, injuries have derailed his performance. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020, Sale struggled with a series of setbacks, including a rib stress fracture, a broken finger, and a wrist injury from a bike accident in 2022. These misfortunes led to an underwhelming 2023 season, which left him as a less-desirable trade target.
A Bold Move by the Braves
Despite his injury struggles, the Braves took a chance on Sale in December 2023, trading for him in exchange for second baseman Vaughn Grissom and cash. The move paid immediate dividends as Sale rediscovered his All-Star form, helping to solidify the Braves' rotation and propel them toward a successful 2024 campaign.
Sale signed a two-year, $38 million contract with Atlanta, positioning him as the latest in a string of reclamation projects for the Braves, who have a history of reviving veteran players. Sale’s performance this season shows that, even at 35 and after so many injuries, he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
The AL Cy Young: Tarik Skubal’s Unanimous Victory
While Sale took home the National League honor, the American League Cy Young Award was claimed by Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who won unanimously. Skubal's victory was also a significant achievement, marking a career milestone for the young pitcher.
