Red Sox Nation shared mixed emotions after Boston traded Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves in December.
Sale is a World Series champion and he came in clutch for the Red Sox on more than one occasion, but his hefty contract and frequent injuries outweighed the benefits of having him on the roster in the eyes of many fans.
The lefty knows he's a polarizing figure in Red Sox Nation. So when NESN's Jahmai Webster asked Sale if he had a message for the Sox fans watching, he said, "Thank you, and I'm sorry."
The pitcher acknowledged both the positive and negative opinions of himself that he's heard from fans. He also apologized for not meeting Boston's expectations around the time of the trade.
On an episode of the "Foul Territory" podcast, Sale said he did not see his time with the Red Sox as a success. He supported his statement by saying he only pitched one full, healthy season for Boston and that he didn't have any major triumphs after he signed his contract extension in 2019.
Chris Sale apologizes to Red Sox fans for frequent injuries during his tenure in Boston
"Thank you and sorry."
— NESN (@NESN) May 8, 2024
Chris Sale's message to Sox Nation@WebsterOnTV | #RedSox pic.twitter.com/Fn8zFVBcBH
Fans have been shocked by Sale's willingness to take accountability for his missed time, likely because his history with clubhouse TVs doesn't suggest he's the nicest guy. But he referred to his frequent injuries after his extension as "a gut punch," and he's shared his apologies for disappointing the city with honesty and class.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora rushed to Sale's defense in a press conference leading up to Boston's reunion with the pitcher. Cora vouched for the pitcher's character and attested that Sale did everything he could to be on the field as much as possible.
Sale still communicates with his former manager and some teammates regularly. He seems to hold no ill will toward the Red Sox organization and fans should offer him the same sentiment.