Chris Sale: Age, Teams, How Old Is He, Career Stats, Height and Salary
Chris Sale remains one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant left-handed pitchers. At 37 years old, the Atlanta Braves ace continues to perform at an elite level, adding another impressive chapter to a career that began with the Chicago White Sox in 2010.
Sale has played for three MLB teams during his career: the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves. His combination of strikeout ability, command and a devastating slider has made him one of the most feared pitchers of his generation.
As of August 28, 2026, Sale is enjoying another outstanding season with Atlanta. He recently threw a complete-game shutout against the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out 11 while allowing five hits and no walks. The performance improved his 2026 record to 13-9.
Chris Sale Age: How Old Is He?
Chris Sale is 37 years old.
He was born on March 30, 1989, in Lakeland, Florida. Therefore, Sale turned 37 in March 2026. MLB lists him at 6-foot-6 and 180 pounds.
His longevity is particularly impressive because he has dealt with several injuries during his career. Despite those setbacks, Sale has continued to produce at a high level well into his late 30s.
His 2026 campaign has been another example of his ability to remain effective against younger hitters.
Chris Sale Teams
Sale has played for three MLB organizations:
- Chicago White Sox (2010-2016)
- Boston Red Sox (2017-2019, 2021-2023)
- Atlanta Braves (2024-present)
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox selected Sale with the 13th overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft out of Florida Gulf Coast University. He made his MLB debut on August 6, 2010.
Sale initially worked as a reliever before becoming a full-time starting pitcher. He quickly developed into one of the American League’s premier arms.
He was selected to multiple All-Star teams during his time in Chicago and established himself as an elite strikeout pitcher.
Boston Red Sox
Chicago traded Sale to the Boston Red Sox in December 2016. Boston sent a package that included prospects Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech to acquire the left-hander.
Sale immediately became a key member of Boston’s rotation.
His best season with the Red Sox came in 2018, when he helped Boston win the World Series. Sale finished the regular season with a 12-4 record and a 2.11 ERA, then delivered one of the defining moments of the postseason by striking out Manny Machado to complete the World Series championship.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves acquired Sale from Boston in December 2023. He responded with an exceptional first season in Atlanta.
In 2024, Sale went 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA, 225 strikeouts and a 1.01 WHIP across 177⅔ innings.
His performance earned him the National League Cy Young Award, further strengthening his legacy as one of the premier pitchers of his era.
Chris Sale Career Stats
As of the latest MLB statistics available on August 28, 2026, Sale has appeared in 417 regular-season games, including 336 starts, according to MLB’s current player profile.
His career regular-season numbers are:
| Statistic | Career |
|---|---|
| Games | 417 |
| Starts | 336 |
| Wins | 158 |
| Losses | 97 |
| ERA | 2.95 |
| Innings | 2,228.0 |
| Strikeouts | 2,756 |
| WHIP | 1.04 |
Those numbers underline just how productive Sale has been over his 16-plus MLB seasons.
He also reached 2,500 career strikeouts in 2025, becoming the fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone based on innings pitched, according to the Braves.
Chris Sale 2026 Stats
Sale has continued to dominate during the 2026 season.
Before his latest complete-game performance against the Dodgers, MLB listed him at 24 starts with a 13-9 record, 2.06 ERA, 144 innings, 177 strikeouts and a 1.00 WHIP.
Against Los Angeles on August 27, Sale completed nine innings and added 11 strikeouts without issuing a walk. That outing gave him his first complete game since 2019 and his first shutout since June 2019.
The outing was also notable because Sale reached 100.1 mph with a fastball against Shohei Ohtani, an extraordinary velocity mark for a 37-year-old pitcher.
Chris Sale Height
Chris Sale is 6 feet 6 inches tall, or approximately 1.98 meters.
He weighs 180 pounds, according to his official MLB profile.
His unusually tall and slender frame has always been a recognizable part of his pitching profile. His long arms and deceptive delivery help create difficult angles for opposing hitters.
Chris Sale Salary
Sale is currently one of the highest-paid players in Braves history.
In February 2026, Atlanta agreed to a one-year, $27 million contract extension with Sale. The deal also includes a $30 million option for the 2028 season.
The $27 million salary represents the largest average annual value in Braves franchise history at the time the extension was announced. Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said Sale had earned the contract through his performance and professionalism.
The extension also demonstrated Atlanta’s confidence in Sale despite his age. The Braves clearly view him as an important part of their rotation and postseason ambitions.
How Good Is Chris Sale in 2026?
Sale’s 2026 season has been remarkable considering he is 37 years old.
His 2.06 ERA through 24 starts places him among the National League’s best starting pitchers. He has also maintained an elite strikeout rate while limiting walks.
His August 27 performance against the Dodgers offered perhaps the clearest evidence that Sale still has plenty left in the tank. He threw a complete-game shutout, struck out 11 and did not walk a batter in Atlanta’s 1-0 victory.
The performance also made Sale only the sixth pitcher since 1900, at age 37 years and 150 days or older, to record at least 10 strikeouts with no walks in a shutout. The group includes legends such as Cy Young, Steve Carlton, Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson.
Chris Sale Career Highlights
Sale has collected numerous accomplishments throughout his career.
Some of his biggest achievements include:
- 2018 World Series champion
- 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner
- Multiple MLB All-Star selections
- More than 2,700 career strikeouts
- More than 2,200 career innings
- Career ERA below 3.00
- 18-win season with Atlanta in 2024
- 2,500 career strikeouts
- 2026 complete-game shutout against the Dodgers
His career strikeout rate is one of the most impressive aspects of his résumé. MLB notes that his career rate of 11.13 strikeouts per nine innings and 5.29 strikeouts per walk ratio are historically elite among pitchers with at least 2,000 innings.
What Makes Chris Sale So Effective?
Sale’s success comes from a combination of velocity, movement, deception and command.
His fastball can still reach elite speeds, while his slider remains one of his most dangerous weapons. His unusual arm angle and long frame also make his pitches difficult for hitters to track.
Perhaps most importantly, Sale has shown the ability to adjust as he has aged.
Instead of relying solely on velocity, he uses pitch sequencing and location to keep hitters uncomfortable. That adaptability has helped him remain a top-level starter deep into his career.
Chris Sale’s MLB Career Timeline
2010: Drafted 13th overall by the Chicago White Sox and made his MLB debut.
2012: Became a full-time starting pitcher and emerged as one of the American League’s best young arms.
2016: Finished his White Sox career before being traded to Boston.
2017: Began his Red Sox career and continued his run as an elite strikeout pitcher.
2018: Helped Boston win the World Series.
2020: Underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the season.
2021-2023: Returned to the Red Sox but dealt with injuries that limited his availability.
2024: Joined Atlanta, won 18 games and captured the NL Cy Young Award.
2025: Posted a 2.58 ERA and 165 strikeouts despite missing time with a fractured left rib cage.
2026: Continued to dominate at age 37 and signed a new $27 million extension with Atlanta.
FAQs About Chris Sale
How old is Chris Sale?
Chris Sale is 37 years old. He was born on March 30, 1989.
What teams has Chris Sale played for?
Sale has played for the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves.
How tall is Chris Sale?
Chris Sale is 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds.
What is Chris Sale’s career ERA?
Sale’s career ERA is 2.95, according to MLB’s latest statistics. He also has a 158-97 career win-loss record, 2,228 innings and 2,756 strikeouts.
What is Chris Sale’s salary?
Sale signed a one-year, $27 million extension with the Braves in February 2026. The contract includes a $30 million option for 2028.
Is Chris Sale still with the Braves?
Yes. Chris Sale remains a member of the Atlanta Braves in 2026 and is under contract through the 2027 season, with a 2028 option.
Final Takeaway
Chris Sale’s career is a remarkable example of sustained pitching excellence. From his early years with the White Sox to his World Series success with Boston and Cy Young-winning campaign with Atlanta, Sale has built one of the strongest pitching résumés of his generation.
At 37 years old, he is still producing elite numbers. His 2026 season, highlighted by a 2.06 ERA, 177 strikeouts and a spectacular complete-game shutout against the Dodgers, shows that Sale remains a major force in MLB.
With a new $27 million extension, Atlanta has made it clear that it expects Sale to remain an important part of the Braves’ rotation for years to come.
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