The Atlanta Braves have confirmed the exercise of the 2026 team option for left-handed pitcher Chris Sale.

The Atlanta Braves officially declared today that they are exercising the 2026 team option for left-handed pitcher Chris Sale. Under the terms, his salary for the upcoming season will be $18 million.

As the 2024 National League Cy Young Award recipient, Sale was sidelined for 10 weeks from June last season due to a rib injury but remained consistent upon his return. Over six starts, he posted a 2.72 ERA and struck out 52 batters in 36.1 innings. For the entire season, he achieved a 7-5 record with a 2.58 ERA and struck out 165 batters over 125.2 innings pitched.

The Braves faced significant injury challenges early in the 2025 season, with their entire starting rotation placed on the injured list, causing the team to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Despite this, Sale continued to perform steadily and will be a key member of the starting rotation next season.

Since joining the Braves in 2024, Sale has demonstrated his ace qualities by leading the National League in wins, strikeouts, and ERA, achieving the pitching triple crown and underscoring his vital role in the team’s strategic setup.

Looking ahead to the new season, the Braves’ lineup will be led by former National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., along with Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and rookie catcher Drake Baldwin. Besides Sale, the starting rotation includes Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, maintaining a highly competitive roster overall.

Although the Braves have several starting pitcher options such as Hurston Waldrep, AJ Smith-Shawver (currently recovering), Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Joey Wentz, the bullpen still requires reinforcement. Former closer Raisel Iglesias will be seeking a new contract on the free-agent market.