Chris Sale Planned to Retire After 2024 MLB Season Before Red Sox-Braves Trade

Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale revealed that he was planning to retire at the end of the 2024 season before he was traded from the Boston Red Sox.

"Before I got traded last offseason, we were really kind of planning that this year was probably going to be my last year playing," Sale explained in an interview with Foul Territory TV.

The Braves acquired the 35-year-old in December 2023 by sending infielder Vaughn Grissom to the Red Sox.

Sale earned the first Cy Young Award of his career on Wednesday.

He wrapped up an incredible regular season in his first year with the Braves, compiling a record of 18-3 in 29 starts. Sale led the majors with a 2.38 ERA and had a 1.013 WHIP as well. He also struck out 225 batters while issuing only 39 walks in 177.2 innings of work.

Sale wasn't on Atlanta's roster during its Wild Card Series loss to the San Diego Padres due to back spasms, but his presence throughout the regular season was crucial for a Braves team that dealt with a season-ending UCL injury to All-Star Spencer Strider in April.

Sale made seven consecutive All-Star appearances of his own from 2012 through 2018. He then missed the entire 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and struggled to stay healthy upon his return.

During his final three years in Boston from 2021-23, Sale made only 31 total starts and posted an ERA of just 3.93. That included an uninspiring 4.30 ERA in the season prior to his trade to Atlanta.

While it was aided by the move, the decision not to retire ultimately paid off for Sale.

With Strider and star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. set to return in 2025 following season-ending injuries, Sale is expected to be an important piece of a Braves team with postseason aspirations once again.