The Atlanta Braves made a rather bold trade to acquire Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox last week, and they wasted little time doubling down on the move.
The Braves and Sale agreed to a new contract on Thursday, according to David O’Brien of The Athletic. The new deal runs for two years and is worth $38 million, and also includes a club option for the 2026 season.
#Braves didn't waste time locking up Chris Sale: They signed the veteran lefty to a 2-year, $38 million contract with an $18 million club option for 2026. The move comes 5 days after they traded for Sale, 34, who had one year plus a 2025 option left on his previous contract.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 4, 2024
There is some nuance to the decision to give Sale a quick contract extension. His previous contract included significant deferrals, which the Braves have now eliminated. In addition, because of money the Red Sox sent as part of the trade, his $16 million salary in 2024 is not being covered by Atlanta. For the Braves, it fundamentally works out to a two-year, $21 million deal.
The Braves gave up a solid infield prospect to bring in Sale, who has struggled to stay healthy for several years. It is clearly a calculated risk, and they have made the finances even more palatable to them.
