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. He previously played for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. He stands at 6 feet 6 inches tall.

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. Chris Sale became the first Red Sox pitcher to finish that high since Pedro Martínez in 2000.

2007: Sale Stays in College after being drafted

In 2007, Sale stayed in college after being drafted and developed his signature "funky" sidearm throwing motion.

2007: Drafted by the Colorado Rockies

In 2007, after his senior year at Lakeland Senior High School, Chris Sale was drafted in the 21st round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Colorado Rockies. However, he chose not to sign and instead attended Florida Gulf Coast University.

2008: All-Star for La Crosse Loggers

In 2008, Chris Sale was named an All-Star for the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League during the NCAA offseason. It was during this time that coaches suggested he adopt his distinctive sidearm arm angle.

2009: Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox

In 2009, Chris Sale played for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He had a record of 4-2 with a 1.47 ERA and 57 strikeouts, and was named MVP of the league's All-Star Game at Fenway Park, and received the league's Outstanding Pitcher award.

August 4, 2010: Called Up to the 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 Major League Baseball debut for the Chicago White Sox. Selected in the 2010 MLB draft, he was quickly promoted and played against the Baltimore Orioles.

September 1, 2010: First Major League Save

On September 1, 2010, Chris Sale achieved his first major league save against the Cleveland Indians. During his rookie year he made 21 appearances, going 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA, 32 strikeouts, and 4 saves.

2010: College Baseball Season at FGCU

During the 2010 season at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Chris Sale had an impressive performance, posting an 11–0 win–loss record and a 2.01 ERA over 17 games. He also led the NCAA in strikeouts, earning awards such as Atlantic Sun Conference Pitcher of the Year and Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year.

2010: Drafted and Assigned to Minor League Teams

In 2010, Chris Sale was drafted by the White Sox and assigned to the Winston-Salem Dash (Class A) and later promoted to the Charlotte Knights (Triple-A), showcasing his rapid progression through the minor league system.

2011: Season Performance

During the 2011 season, Chris Sale made 58 appearances out of the bullpen. He had a 2-2 record, a 2.79 ERA, 8 saves, and 79 strikeouts.

2012: Season Record and Cy Young Award Voting

During the 2012 season, Chris Sale compiled a 17–8 record, a 3.05 ERA, and 192 strikeouts in 192 innings pitched. He finished sixth in voting for the AL Cy Young Award.

2012: Transition to Starting Pitcher and Career-High Strikeouts

In 2012, Chris Sale transitioned to a starting pitcher. On May 28, 2012, Sale struck out a career-high 15 batters in 7+1⁄3 innings during a 2–1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

2012: MLB All-Star Selection

In 2012, Chris Sale was selected as an MLB All-Star, marking the first of seven consecutive All-Star selections. This recognition highlights his performance and standing in the league.

March 7, 2013: Contract Agreement

On March 7, 2013, Chris Sale and the White Sox agreed on a five-year, $32 million contract with two team option years, securing his place with the team for the near future.

2013: Season Performance

During the 2013 season, Chris Sale led the AL with 4 complete games. He had an 11–14 record, 226 strikeouts, and a 3.07 ERA in 214.1 innings pitched. Sale finished in fifth place in Cy Young votes for 2013.

2015: Franchise Strikeout Record

On October 2, 2015, versus the Detroit Tigers, Chris Sale set the franchise record for number of strikeouts in a season. He finished the season 13–11 with a 3.41 ERA, and led the majors in strikeouts per 9 innings (11.82) and hit by pitch (13).

December 6, 2016: Traded to Boston Red Sox

On December 6, 2016, Chris Sale was traded from the White Sox to the Boston Red Sox for Yoán Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe, and Víctor Díaz. Upon joining Boston, he changed his uniform number to 41 in honor of Tim Wakefield.

2016: All-Star Game Starter

In 2016, Chris Sale began the season by winning each of his first 9 starts. He entered the All-Star Break with a 14–3 record, an ERA of 3.38, and a WHIP of 1.04. He was named the starter for the MLB All-Star Game, where he pitched one inning and gave up a home run to Kris Bryant.

2017: Season Statistics and AL East Division Win

In 2017, Chris Sale finished with a 17–8 record, a 2.90 ERA, and led MLB with 308 strikeouts. The Red Sox clinched the AL East division with a 93–69 record.

2017: All-Star Game Selection and Strikeout Milestones

In 2017, Chris Sale tied the major league record for consecutive starts with 10 or more strikeouts. After going 11-4 with a 2.75 ERA, he was named the AL's starting pitcher at the All-Star Game for the second consecutive season. He also recorded his 1,500th career strikeout, and reached 300 strikeouts for the season.

2017: Traded to the Boston Red Sox

In 2017, Chris Sale was traded to the Boston Red Sox, marking a significant change in his MLB career. This move positioned him as a key member of their pitching rotation.

2018: Seventh Consecutive All-Star Selection

In 2018, Chris Sale marked his seventh consecutive season as an MLB All-Star, underscoring his consistent performance and recognition in baseball.

2018: World Series win

In 2018, Chris Sale was a key member of the Boston Red Sox pitching rotation, helping the team win the World Series. This victory marks a significant milestone in his career.

2018: Opening Day Starter and All-Star Selection

In 2018, Chris Sale was the Opening Day starting pitcher for the Red Sox. He pitched six innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing one hit and walking three, while striking out nine. Later in the season, on July 6, Sale recorded his 100th MLB career win against the Kansas City Royals. On July 8, 2018, he was named to the All-Star Game, and on July 16, was named the AL starting pitcher for the third consecutive year. He also spent time on the disabled list due to left shoulder inflammation, first on July 31 and again on August 18, returning to pitch again on September 11.

March 23, 2019: Sale signs a five-year, $145 million extension with the Red Sox

On March 23, 2019, Sale signed a five-year, $145 million extension with the Red Sox, covering 2020 through 2024 plus a vesting option for 2025. Sale earned $15 million in 2019 via a club option in his prior contract.

June 5, 2019: Sale Pitched 8+2⁄3 Scoreless Innings

On June 18, 2025, Chris Sale pitched 8+2⁄3 scoreless innings against the New York Mets, for his longest appearance since a complete game shutout on June 5, 2019.

2019: Sale Practice Session at Fenway Park

On June 8, 2021, Sale threw a practice session in the bullpen at Fenway Park for the first time since 2019.

2020: Contract extension year with the Red Sox

2020 was a year in which Sale's contract extension with the Red Sox was in effect, part of the five-year, $145 million extension signed on March 23, 2019, covering 2020 through 2024 plus a vesting option for 2025.

2021: Sale Pitched for more than double in 2021

In 2023, Chris Sale pitched over 102+2⁄3 innings, more than double what he pitched in 2021 and 2022 combined.

2022: Sale Pitched for more than double in 2022

In 2023, Chris Sale pitched over 102+2⁄3 innings, more than double what he pitched in 2021 and 2022 combined.

December 30, 2023: Sale Traded to Atlanta Braves

On December 30, 2023, the Red Sox traded Chris Sale and cash considerations to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Vaughn Grissom.

2023: Traded to the Braves

Following the 2023 season, Chris Sale was traded to the Atlanta Braves after his final few years in Boston were hampered by injuries. This trade marks a new chapter in his MLB career.

2024: Contract extension year with the Red Sox

2024 was a year in which Sale's contract extension with the Red Sox was in effect, part of the five-year, $145 million extension signed on March 23, 2019, covering 2020 through 2024 plus a vesting option for 2025.

2024: Sale Selected to All-Star Game

Chris Sale was selected to the 2024 All-Star Game roster as a reserve, alongside teammates Marcell Ozuna and Reynaldo López.

2024: Named to All-Star Game, Cy Young Award, Triple Crown and Gold Glove Award

In 2024, Chris Sale was named to his eighth All-Star Game, won his first Cy Young Award, achieved the Triple Crown, and received a Gold Glove Award, marking a highly decorated season.

2025: Contract extension option year with the Red Sox

2025 was a year in which Sale had a vesting option with the Red Sox as part of the five-year, $145 million extension signed on March 23, 2019, covering 2020 through 2024 plus a vesting option for 2025.

2025: All-Star Selection

In 2025, Chris Sale was named an All-Star again, marking another recognition of his talent and performance in Major League Baseball.

February 24, 2026: Sale Signs Contract Extension with Braves

On February 24, 2026, Chris Sale and the Braves agreed to a one-year, $27 million contract extension through 2027, which included a club option for 2028.

2026: Contract Extension Option with Braves

Sale signed a two-year contract extension with the Braves including an $18 million club option for the 2026 season, days after being traded on December 30, 2023.

2027: Contract Extension Year with Braves

On February 24, 2026, Chris Sale and the Braves agreed to a one-year, $27 million contract extension through 2027, which included a club option for 2028.

2028: Contract Option Year with Braves

On February 24, 2026, Chris Sale and the Braves agreed to a one-year, $27 million contract extension through 2027, which included a club option for 2028.