Braves Extend Chris Sale: M Deal Makes Him Highest-Paid Player in 2027

Braves Extend Chris Sale: $27M Deal Makes Him Highest-Paid Player in 2027

February 25, 2026 David Thompson - Sports Editor Sports

ATLANTA – Chris Sale is staying with the Atlanta Braves, agreeing to a one-year contract extension worth $27 million for the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028 at $30 million. The deal, announced Tuesday, solidifies Sale’s place as the highest-paid player on the Braves, surpassing the $22 million earned by Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Spencer Strider.

The extension comes after Sale resurrected his career in Atlanta following a trade from the Boston Red Sox in December 2023. After years plagued by injuries, the veteran left-hander won the National League Cy Young Award in 2024 and followed it up with a strong 2025 campaign, despite a mid-season rib injury that limited his innings.

Sale’s resurgence has been remarkable. In 50 appearances with the Braves, he’s posted a 2.46 ERA and a 2.33 FIP, averaging 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Among pitchers with at least 250 innings pitched across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, only Tarik Skubal, Cristopher Sánchez, Paul Skenes and Garrett Crochet have a higher WAR, according to FanGraphs.

The Braves’ decision to extend Sale was partially influenced by recent injuries to young starters Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, creating a need for reliable pitching depth as they aim to improve upon a disappointing 76-86 record in 2025. Sale provides that stability, offering a proven commodity at the top of the rotation.

While the extension secures a key piece of the Braves’ pitching staff, it isn’t without risk. Sale, who will turn 37 in March, has a history of injuries, including a fractured rib cage that sidelined him for two months last season. His longevity has been a concern, particularly given the Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2020 and the questions surrounding the strain his unique delivery places on his arm.

Despite these concerns, the one-year deal with a club option represents a calculated gamble for Atlanta. Sale’s performance in 2024 and 2025 demonstrated his ability to thrive in his new environment, and the contract structure allows the Braves to retain a valuable asset without committing to a long-term deal. Had Sale continued his strong performance, he almost assuredly would have commanded a salary of $30 million or more on the open market.

The timing of the extension also impacts the upcoming free agent market. Tarik Skubal is expected to be the most coveted pitcher available after the 2026 season, and is projected to command a significant contract, recently setting a record with a $32 million arbitration salary. Sale’s decision to remain in Atlanta removes a potential top contender from the free agent pool, potentially driving up the price for other available starters like Freddy Peralta, Sandy Alcantara, Kevin Gausman, and Michael King.

Sale’s continued success is crucial for the Braves’ aspirations. After finishing second in the NL East in 2024 and falling to fourth in 2025, the team is looking to re-establish itself as a contender. Sale’s ability to consistently deliver quality starts will be a key factor in their pursuit of a division title and a deep playoff run. The Braves’ projected payroll now climbs to around $177.3 million, reflecting their commitment to competing in the near future.

The extension isn’t just about wins and losses. it’s about maintaining a competitive edge in a division that is rapidly becoming one of the most challenging in baseball. With the Philadelphia Phillies consistently performing at a high level, the Braves need to maximize their talent and ensure they have the pitching depth to withstand the rigors of a long season. Chris Sale, despite his age and injury history, remains a significant piece of that puzzle.