Chris Sale has been listed as the favorite to win the NL Cy Young Award by a collection of MLB.com writers. Sale is 11-3 with a 2.73 ERA in 16 starts this season. These numbers showcase a major improvement and a reflection of his All-Star form Sale displayed before injuries beset his career beginning in 2019.
Sale had been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball before injuries plagued his career. It was a major gamble by GM Alex Athopoulos to trade top prospect Vaughn Grissom to the Red Sox but that gamble has turned up aces as Grissom is struggling mightily. The Braves are now relying on Sale to lead the staff after losing Spencer Strider for the season.
Durability will be the biggest factor for Sale as he looks to finish the season strong and most importantly healthy. Sale has not made more than 20 starts in a season since 2019.