Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale has been crowned the 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner.
With an impressive stat line including 177 2/3 innings pitched, 225 strikeouts, a 2.09 FIP, and a 2.38 ERA, Sale outshone the competition, narrowly edging out Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies. Wheeler managed to snag four out of 30 BBWAA first-place votes, leaving Sale with the remaining 26.
In addition to his Cy Young honors, Sale also secured the NL Triple Crown by leading the league in ERA, strikeouts, and wins (18). This victory marks the first time a Braves pitcher has claimed the Cy Young title since Tom Glavine in 1998.
Despite facing setbacks in previous seasons, Sale, 35, staged a remarkable comeback in 2024. Following a challenging 2023 campaign with the Boston Red Sox, Sale was given a fresh start after being traded to the Braves in December. Signing a lucrative two-year, $38 million deal, Sale joined the ranks of successful reclamation projects like Charlie Morton.
While Sale’s recent success may suggest a redemption story, it’s important to note his illustrious career prior to his resurgence. Originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2010, Sale quickly established himself as a dominant force in the league, earning multiple All-Star selections and consistently ranking among the top Cy Young contenders.
However, a series of injuries derailed Sale’s momentum, culminating in a challenging 2020 season that saw him undergo Tommy John surgery. Subsequent setbacks in 2021 and 2022 further tested Sale’s resilience, ultimately leading to his underwhelming performance in 2023.
Despite his struggles, the Braves saw potential in Sale and made a low-risk trade to acquire him. The gamble paid off handsomely, as Sale’s stellar performance in 2024 solidified his status as one of the league’s premier pitchers.