Chris Sale Solidifies Legendary Status with Three Dominant Seasons for Braves

When the Braves acquired Chris Sale from the Red Sox in late 2023, questions loomed over whether the lefty could recapture his former dominance after injuries and age had dimmed his previous peak. Now, three seasons later, Sale’s performance has not only silenced doubts but established him among the elite veteran pitchers in the modern era. This assessment reflects data through the end of the 2026 season.

Sale’s ERA of 2.36 and FIP of 2.31 since 2024 lead all starters with at least 400 innings pitched in that span, while his strikeout rate of 31.7% is unmatched for pitchers his age. His ERA+, which adjusts for ballpark and league factors, has consistently exceeded 160, indicating he has been at least 60% better than the average pitcher each year with the Braves. Such sustained excellence at ages 35 to 37 is rare in baseball history.

Only a handful of pitchers in the modern era have posted three or more seasons with an ERA+ north of 160 at age 35 or older, including Lefty Grove, Randy Johnson, and Justin Verlander. Sale and Johnson are unique in stringing together three consecutive seasons at this level of dominance at this advanced age. Sale’s strikeout and strikeout-minus-walk rates during this stretch are also the best ever recorded by a starter over 35 years old, further highlighting his remarkable effectiveness.

Sale’s 2026 season alone featured a 196 ERA+, his second-best full-season mark ever, along with 200 strikeouts and a walk rate that was the lowest among qualified National League pitchers. His velocity increased to 96.1 mph on his four-seam fastball, the highest since his career began, and he even touched 100 mph for the first time in eight years. These signs suggest that Sale remains in elite form despite his age and injury history.

While concerns about durability are understandable given his past injuries, the risk has been outweighed by Sale’s upside whenever healthy. His run with the Braves represents not just a successful comeback but a historically significant peak for a pitcher in his mid-to-late 30s. Atlanta fans can look forward to continued impact from their ace as long as he maintains his health and form.