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“But can’t pay Max fried $27M?”;”Worth every penny” – Fans split over Braves’ high AAV Chris Sale extension


Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale agreed to a one-year, $27 million contract extension. ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan broke the news on Tuesday.

Fans on X are split on the Braves’ decision to extend Sale. Some pointed out the 2024 Cy Young winner’s age and injury history, while others spotlighted the 36-year-old’s illustrious career and accolades.

“Worth every penny, still shocked the second half of his career has been so dominant,” a fan wrote.

@JeffPassan Worth every penny, still shocked the second half of his career has been so dominant

“Atlanta betting on upside and experience. If Chris Sale stays healthy this is a steal, if not this is expensive nostalgia. Braves clearly believe the arm still plays,” a second fan commented.

@JeffPassan Atlanta betting on upside and experience. If Chris Sale stays healthy this is a steal, if not this is expensive nostalgia. Braves clearly believe the arm still plays.

“Braves just keep stacking their rotation,” another fan noted.

@JeffPassan braves just keep stacking their rotation

“So we can pay Sale $27 and $30M but can’t pay max fried $27M?,” a fan questioned the decision.

@JeffPassan So we can pay Sale $27 and $30M but can’t pay max fried $27M?

Max Fried played for the Braves from 2017 to 2024, but the team didn’t re-sign him despite his impressive stats. He is now with the New York Yankees, having signed an eight-year, $218 million contract extension in December 2024.

“Glass man signs for 27 M’s,” a fan threw shade at Sale’s injury history.

@JeffPassan glass man signs for 27 M’s

Sale has an extensive injury history, particularly from 2018 to 2023. He underwent Tommy John surgery, had a stress fracture in the rib cage, a broken pinkie finger and a broken wrist from a bike accident.

“Owners are throwing out huge 2027 salaries knowing they won’t have to pay it 😭,” a fan pointed out.

@JeffPassan Owners are throwing out huge 2027 salaries knowing they won’t have to pay it 😭

A potential MLB lockout is widely expected before the 2027 season as the current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, 2026.

More details about Chris Sale’s contract extension

The Braves acquired Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox in December 2023 and signed him to a two-year, $38 million extension in January 2024. They exercised the $18 million club option for 2026 in November.

Per MLB insider Jeff Passan, Sale’s latest contract extension also includes a $30 million club option for 2028.

BREAKING: Nine-time All-Star Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a one-year, $27 million contract extension that includes a club option for $30 million in 2028, sources tell ESPN. Sale, 36, was set to hit free agency after this season but will remain in Atlanta.

Previously, Sale had signed a five-year, $32.5 million contract extension with the Chicago White Sox in March 2013, and a five-year, $145 million extension with the Boston Red Sox in March 2019.

The 36-year-old lefty pitcher is a nine-time All-Star. He won the 2018 World Series with the Red Sox. Moreover, he was the strikeout in 2015, 2017 and 2024.

Sale had a career resurgence in 2024. The lefty pitcher was the NL Comeback Player of the Year. He also earned his first Gold Glove Award and All-MLB First Team selection.