Braves likely to release Chris Sale after 2025 season

The Atlanta Braves may decide to part ways with pitcher Chris Sale after the 2025 season. Sale, who has won the Cy Young Award, is in the final year of a two-year contract. He has an option for $18 million in 2026, but there are doubts about his future with the team. The Braves have high hopes for the upcoming season and continue to be a strong contender in the National League. However, some analysts, like Austin Owens from FanSided, believe the Braves could release Sale. Owens notes that Sale is 35 and has had many injuries during his 14-year career. If Sale performs well in 2025, it would be hard for the Braves to let him go. The team has a solid group of young pitchers, but Sale’s experience is valuable. If he were to retire or greatly underperform, the Braves might choose to move on. However, early signs suggest he is ready for another strong season. Letting Sale leave after a successful year could be a mistake for the Braves. They could face having to fill a significant gap in their pitching lineup. The future of Sale and the Braves is uncertain as the season unfolds.