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Every MLB season holds importance for players, but the 2026 campaign will be especially crucial for Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale. Sale will be 37 years old this season and is set to enter a contract year. His 2026 club option was picked up by Atlanta, but he will be a free agent next offseason unless a contract extension comes to fruition.
There are a number of possible results that could occur for Sale following the conclusion of the 2026 season.
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We have seen pitchers in recent seasons pitch well into their 30's and even their early 40's. Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander are examples of hurlers who were able to find success deep into their careers.
Sale is already accomplishing a similar feat. In 2025, he made 21 appearances (20 starts) and turned in a 2.58 ERA. He was electric while on the mound, and probably would have earned All-Star consideration if he made more starts. Sale was still able to earn the ninth All-Star selection of his impressive career.
In 2024, the southpaw won the first Cy Young of his big league career after leading the league with a sparkling 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts.
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Sale -- if he pitches well once again -- could realistically land a two or three-year deal in free agency next offseason. That is, of course, if he wants to continue pitching. Sale could also decide to walk away from the game. No one would blame him for doing so at 37 years old. With that being said, Sale may want to continue pitching if it is clear he still has something left in the tank.
Sale could also decide to sign a one-year contract. That would allow him to keep playing without being locked into a multi-year deal.
If Sale struggles, he would probably still receive interest next offseason given his track record. A down season may minimize the chances of him receiving multi-year offers, however.
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A strong Chris Sale '26 campaign will likely provide him with a number of different options next offseason -- from retirement all the way to a possible three-year contract and everything in between.
For now, Sale is focused on preparing for the upcoming 2026 season. He will do everything he can to help the Braves get back on track following their difficult season in 2025.
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