From Setback to Stardom: Chris Sale Makes Historic Comeback with First Cy Young Award
In a remarkable story of perseverance and redemption, Chris Sale has captured his first Cy Young Award at age 35, marking one of baseball’s most impressive comeback tales of 2024.
The Atlanta Braves’ gamble on the injury-prone leftie paid off spectacularly as Sale dominated the National League, securing the pitching Triple Crown with 18 wins, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts. His outstanding performance earned him 26 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
“It’s special, it is,” Sale said after receiving the Hall of Famer Greg Maddux award. “This wasn’t an easy way to win this award for the first time. I’m thinking about all the teammates, coaches, trainers, and family who helped get me here.”
The journey to this moment was anything but smooth. When the Braves traded for Sale last December, they acquired a pitcher who hadn’t stayed healthy for five straight seasons. From 2020 through 2023, Sale managed just 31 starts and 151 innings with the Boston Red Sox, posting an unremarkable 11-7 record and 3.93 ERA.
But 2024 was different. Sale made his most starts (29) and pitched his most innings (177 2/3) since 2017. His remarkable comeback included:
- Leading MLB with an 18-3 record and 2.38 ERA
- Topping the NL with 225 strikeouts
- Winning his final eight decisions as Atlanta secured a wild-card spot
- He is posting a dominant 1.93 ERA in his last 14 starts
The award also carries special meaning for the Braves organization. It’s their eighth Cy Young Award—second only to the Dodgers’ 12—and their first since Tom Glavine won in 1998.
Sale’s victory was part of a historic night for left-handed pitchers, as Detroit’s Tarik Skubal claimed the American League Cy Young Award. It marked only the third time two lefties won the award in the same season, joining Steve Carlton and Sparky Lyle (1977) and Randy Johnson and Barry Zito (2002).
“The biggest thing is health,” Sale reflected while accepting his NL Comeback Player of the Year award last week. “I was healthy earlier in my career and able to sustain success. I ran into a buzz saw over the past handful of years. You’re not doing anything when you’re not on the field.”
Sale’s devastating slider remained a key weapon, as batters hit just .171 against it, with one home run in 280 at-bats. His unique sidearm delivery still generated impressive velocity, averaging 94.8 mph on his fastball.
The victory was lovely for Sale, who had previously finished in the top five of Cy Young voting six times without winning. He had been tied with Mike Mussina and Nolan Ryan for the most top-five finishes without claiming the award.
As Sale celebrates this career milestone, his comeback inspires players battling injuries and setbacks. His journey from the injured list to the pinnacle of pitching excellence proves that persistence and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements in baseball, as in life.