Career Timeline of Chris Sale: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Chris Sale made an impact.

Chris Sale is a left-handed American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Atlanta Braves in MLB. Previously, he played for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches, Sale is known for his pitching prowess and has been a significant player in Major League Baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Pedro Martínez Finishes Fifth in AL MVP Voting

In 2000, Pedro Martínez finished fifth in the AL MVP voting, making Chris Sale the first Red Sox pitcher to finish that high since then.

2007: Drafted and College Stay

In 2007, Chris Sale stayed in college after being drafted and developed his modified sidearm throwing motion.

2007: Drafted by Colorado Rockies

In the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft, Chris Sale was drafted in the 21st round by the Colorado Rockies, but he chose not to sign.

2008: All-Star for La Crosse Loggers

In 2008, Chris Sale was an All-Star for the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League.

2009: Cape Cod League

In 2009, Chris Sale pitched for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League, earning the league's Outstanding Pitcher award and All-Star Game MVP honors.

August 4, 2010: Called up to Majors

On August 4, 2010, Chris Sale was called up to the majors for the first time.

August 6, 2010: MLB Debut

On August 6, 2010, Chris Sale made his MLB debut against the Baltimore Orioles.

September 1, 2010: First Major League Save

On September 1, 2010, Chris Sale earned his first major league save against the Cleveland Indians.

2010: Drafted by White Sox

In 2010, Chris Sale was drafted by the Chicago White Sox with the 13th overall selection and assigned to the Winston-Salem Dash and later promoted to the Charlotte Knights.

2011: Bullpen Appearances

During the 2011 season, Chris Sale made 58 appearances out of the bullpen, achieving a 2-2 record with a 2.79 ERA and 8 saves.

2012: Transition to Starting Pitcher

Chris Sale transitioned to a starting pitcher for the 2012 season. On May 28, he struck out a career-high 15 batters against the Tampa Bay Rays.

2012: Season Performance and Cy Young Voting

During the 2012 season, Chris Sale had a 17-8 record with a 3.05 ERA and finished sixth in voting for the AL Cy Young Award.

2012: All-Star Selection

In 2012, Chris Sale was selected as an MLB All-Star, beginning a streak of seven consecutive All-Star seasons.

March 7, 2013: Contract Extension

On March 7, 2013, Chris Sale and the White Sox agreed on a five-year, $32 million contract with two option years.

May 12, 2013: One-Hit Shutout

On May 12, 2013, Chris Sale threw a one-hit shutout against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, allowing only one hit to Mike Trout.

2013: Season Stats and Cy Young Voting

In 2013, Chris Sale led the AL with 4 complete games and had 226 strikeouts, finishing fifth in Cy Young Award voting.

May 22, 2014: Return from Disabled List

On May 22, 2014, in his first start off the disabled list, Chris Sale retired the first 17 batters in a row against the New York Yankees.

June 7, 2014: Game Against Angels

During a game against the Angels on June 7, 2014, Chris Sale surrendered 5 runs in the 7th inning, including a grand slam by Mike Trout.

2015: AL Strikeout Leader

In 2015, Chris Sale led the American League (AL) in strikeouts.

December 6, 2016: Traded to Red Sox

On December 6, 2016, Chris Sale was traded by the White Sox to the Boston Red Sox.

2016: All-Star Game Starter

In 2016, Chris Sale was named the starting pitcher for the American League in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

2017: Season Performance and AL East Champions

In 2017, Chris Sale finished the season with a 17-8 record and led the MLB with 308 strikeouts, helping the Red Sox clinch the AL East division.

2017: All-Star Game Starter and Strikeout Achievements

In 2017, Chris Sale had a great season which included being named the American League's starting pitcher at the All-Star Game for the second consecutive season, recording his 1,500th career strikeout and reaching 300 strikeouts for the season.

2017: Strikeout Leader and Pitcher of the Year

In 2017, Chris Sale led the American League (AL) in strikeouts and was selected as the AL Sporting News Starting Pitcher of the Year.

2017: Trade to Red Sox

Prior to the 2017 season, Chris Sale was traded to the Boston Red Sox.

2018: World Series Victory

In 2018, Chris Sale was a key member of the Boston Red Sox pitching rotation, contributing to their World Series win.

2018: All-Star Selection

In 2018, Chris Sale was selected as an MLB All-Star, marking his seventh consecutive selection.

2018: Sale's Season: Opening Day Start, All-Star Selection, and Injury

In 2018, Chris Sale was the Opening Day starting pitcher for the Red Sox. During June, he was named the AL Pitcher of the Month. He was named to the 2018 MLB All-Star Game and the AL starting pitcher. He was placed on the disabled list in July due to left shoulder inflammation but was later activated. He was again placed on the 10-day disabled list in August and activated in September.