Boston Red Sox Report Cards: Starting pitcher Chris Sale

In the BoSox Injection player grading series, here, we look at Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale and how this season was for him.

Chris Sale maintained his role as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball this season. For the majority of the year, Sale remained as effective as ever on the mound. However, he missed significant time due to injury, which might harm his chances of winning his first Cy Young award – something he is more than deserving of, at this point in his career. Sale did something more important this year, though. He was the Boston Red Sox’s ace on a World Series winning side, and played a huge role in doing so.

The Red Sox ace headlined a rotation consisting of David Price and Rick Porcello. Sale finished the year 12-4, with an impressive ERA of 2.11. He also recorded 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings pitched, which is a new career high, and well above that of other Cy Young contenders.

His statistics were as incredible as ever this year and although he battled with injuries throughout the season, including extended shoulder inflammation, Sale was able to prove, again, that he’s one of the best in the game.

His time on the Disabled List might’ve hindered his Cy Young possibilities, however, he remains among the favorites, with the likes of Blake Snell and Justin Verlander. With plenty of years ahead, Sale will be in contention for many more, as well.

 Postseason

Parts of Sale’s best were on show in the Red Sox’s illustrious postseason campaign. However, Sale was not at his most dominant. The Red Sox were able to get the job done without huge performances from their best players in October.

The left-handed superstar finished the postseason 1-0, after three starts and two bullpen appearances. He was effective against the Yankees, in Game One of the ALDS, allowing just the two runs over 5.1 innings, whilst striking out 8.  In his ALCS and World Series starts, respectively, Sale only managed to pitch 4 full innings, giving up five runs in total. They won his World Series start, however.

Sale was more dominant is his relief appearances. He threw a hitless inning in Game Four of the ALDS, helping the Red Sox beat the enemy Yankees 3-1, in the series. His biggest section of the 2018 postseason campaign came in the clinching moments of the World Series, where he emphatically, struck out the side and got Manny Machado swinging for the final out of the Fall Classic. This will be a memory that will live on with the Red Sox faithful for ages.

Grade

Sale’s starts through this illustrious Red Sox season have been outings to remember. His dominance at the mound can be held in the highest of regards. Fenway Park has seen some of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game. Along with the likes of Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens and Cy Young, comes Chris Sale. With some fantastic years, still ahead of him, Sale has proved his abilities and will be remembered vividly when it comes to the 2018 season. With plenty of time to become an even greater player in Red Sox history, Sale has done plenty to be considered among the greats.

Sale was the best pitcher in the American League, this year. Barring injuries, he would’ve been the front runner for the Cy Young award. The World Series is the ultimate accomplishment for a baseball player and Sale has, now, achieved this. His Cy Young award will come, as long as he continues to perform on this level.

Looking ahead to 2019

The 29-year-old, now entering the prime years of his career, will have plenty of time to keep on proving himself, and he’ll do this in 2019, with the Red Sox, as they’ve picked up his team-option for next season.

With Sale returning to Boston for the 2018 season, he will continue to spearhead this Red Sox rotation and will be vital for all success going forward. He’s a superstar for this incredible team.