The End of an Era? Red Sox Poised to Part Ways with $38 Million All-Star Chris Sale

The Boston Red Sox are facing a monumental decision this offseason, one that could dramatically reshape their pitching rotation and financial landscape. All signs point to the storied franchise severing ties with veteran All-Star pitcher Chris Sale, a move that would mark the bittersweet end of a tumultuous, injury-plagued tenure.

Sale, who is still owed a staggering $38 million for the 2024 season, plus a $2.5 million buyout for a 2025 club option, has been a shadow of his former dominant self since signing a massive five-year, $145 million extension in 2019.

Once considered one of baseball's most electrifying southpaws, his time in Boston has become synonymous with trips to the injured list rather than Cy Young contention.

The writing appeared to be on the wall even before the recent trade deadline, though a move didn't materialize then. Now, with the season winding down, baseball insiders like Jim Bowden of The Athletic are firmly predicting a split.

Bowden's assessment is stark: "The Red Sox will cut ties with Chris Sale this offseason. He has a $38 million salary for 2024 and then a $20 million club option for 2025 with a $2.5 million buyout. His injury history is too great, and the Red Sox will either try to trade him and attach some money to him, or they'll release him and eat the remaining salary and buyout."

Sale's post-extension performance numbers paint a grim picture.

Between 2020 and 2022, he managed a mere 26 starts, compiling an 11-12 record with a 4.41 ERA. This period was marred by a litany of setbacks, including Tommy John surgery, a fractured rib, a broken finger, and a stress reaction in his shoulder. While he did manage to pitch more in 2023, even that season saw him miss significant time with a shoulder issue.

At 35 years old entering the 2024 season, Sale's age, coupled with his persistent injury woes, makes his astronomical salary an increasingly untenable burden for the Red Sox.

The team is reportedly keen on shedding payroll and actively seeking ways to improve their roster. Having such a substantial portion of their budget tied up in a high-risk asset limits their flexibility in the free-agent market.

The Red Sox's decision will likely come down to two primary scenarios: aggressively attempting to trade Sale, potentially by packaging him with prospects or assuming a portion of his remaining salary to entice a buyer, or simply releasing him outright.

The latter, while financially painful in the short term, would free up a roster spot and eliminate the lingering uncertainty surrounding his health, allowing the team to move forward with a clearer path to rebuilding.

For Red Sox Nation, the departure of Chris Sale would close a chapter filled with both electric highs and heartbreaking lows.

It would signal the definitive end of an era and the beginning of a new search for reliable, front-line pitching talent in Boston.