Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale draws attention from fans

Chris Sale’s redemption story continues with the Atlanta Braves. A fan vote conducted by MLB on Fox has named him the winner of the National League Cy Young Award at the midpoint of the season.

It’s a big reflection of Sale’s renaissance this season. He’s not only become a good pitcher again, he’s dominated on the mound.

Proving the skeptics wrong

THE Braves acquire Sale during the offseason just before the new year in exchange for infielder Vaughn Grissom. So far, that trade appears lopsided in Atlanta’s favor.

In 23 games with the Red Sox, Grissom is hitting .148 and has an OPS+ of 5. That’s not a typo. It’s in the single digits.

Meanwhile, in 18 starts, Sale leads the league in wins (13), ERA+ (154) and FIP 2.24. Depending on the day, such as if Reynaldo Lopez were to qualify, Sale is either second in the National League in ERA or the leader.

While not leading the league, Sale also stands out with 140 strikeouts in 110 innings pitched and a 0.955 WHIP.

This season, Sale earned his first All-Star nomination since 2018 and his eighth overall. A longtime name in the sport is back, and fans have paid tribute.

His chances at the Cy Young

So, this is pretty crazy, Sale has never won the Cy Young. He has come close a few times. In the seven consecutive seasons that Sale was an All-Star from 2012 to 2018, Sale received Cy Young votes every season. However, he has only been a finalist (top three) twice. He finished third. 2014 and second in 2017Every time, Corey Kluber beat him for the award.

This could be his chance to win the award for best pitcher in his respective league.

One of his main competitors for the title is his own teammate, Lopez. He is the only starter among qualifiers in either league, when he qualifies, with an ERA below 2.00. However, Lopez’s other stats (1.17 WHIP, .225 ERA) could cost him the top spot.

His other main competitors are Phillies starting pitchers Zach Wheeler and Ranger Suarez. Wheeler has an ERA identical to Sale’s, along with a .192 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He has pitched more innings (116 2/3). Even after a rough start, Suarez has a 2.76 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and a .219 ERA in 114 innings pitched.

Three of the names mentioned are currently the most likely finalists for the award – assuming another arm comes through in force at the top in the second half of the year.

Ultimately, the competition is tough. But if Sale want to finally win their first trophy, this is the perfect year to do it.