Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale is open to discussing a contract extension that would lock him up before he hits the free agent market next year.
The Boston Red Sox have yet to initiate discussions with Chris Sale about a contract extension but the ace is willing to listen if they do.
Sale is signed to a bargain rate of $15 million in 2019 before hitting the free agent market next winter. The opportunity to sign him now rather than compete in a bidding war with other suitors next year would certainly be appealing.
At the Red Sox Winter Weekend down at Foxwoods, Sale was asked if he would be open to an extension. His response was simple – “My phone is on. If they call, I’ll answer.”
Chris Sale is willing to discuss an extension with the Sox. “My phone’s on. If they call, I’ll answer.”
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 19, 2019
While this is hardly confirmation that Sale wants to sign a long-term deal before the upcoming season, it’s interesting to note he’s not ruling it out. His approach differs from superstar teammate Mookie Betts, who has been adamant about his desire to take it year-to-year until he reaches free agency.
Sale is part of the same elite tier as the reigning AL MVP and arguably just as important to the Red Sox. The seven-time All-Star has finished top-six on the Cy Young ballot in every season since he became a full-time starter in 2012. His career 2.89 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 10.9 K/9 and 5.31 K/BB ratio compares favorably to any starting pitcher in baseball.
Yet the lefty faces different circumstances than Betts or the top-notch pitchers who have cashed in as a free agent in recent years. Sale wore down considerably during the stretch run in 2017 when his workload extended into the postseason for the first time in his career. Last season, Sale missed significant time in the second half with shoulder inflammation that required two trips to the disabled list. The Red Sox treated him with kid gloves when he return to ensure he’d make it through their World Series run. The plan worked this time but the reasons why this treatment was necessary may give the club pause about his long-term future.
If Sale puts those concerns to rest with a brilliant season managing a workhorse innings total, he’ll set himself up for a massive contract next winter. If that shoulder flares up again or he suffers another injury, Sale stands to lose millions from those lofty contract projections.
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Age also plays a factor in this decision. While Betts will be in his prime at 28 years old when he hits the free agent market, Sale will turn 31 before the 2020 season. Those few years make a difference, particularly for pitchers, who historically have been risky long-term investments.
The team may have concerns about Sale’s health and prefer to wait to see how this season goes before making a commitment. Sale having those same concerns would be the main reason why he’d even consider a team-friendly deal now rather than wait for free agency where the competition for his service is bound to drive up the price.
Both sides would be taking a risk by agreeing to terms now but if they can find common ground on a deal it could be beneficial for both sides. Sale would gain long-term security while the Red Sox would create cost-certainty that will help them plan for the difficult budget decisions on the horizon.