Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale revealed that he was planning to retire at the end of the 2024 season before he was traded from the Boston Red Sox.

“Before I got traded last offseason, we were really kind of planning that this year was probably going to be my last year playing,” Sale explained in an interview with Foul Territory TV.

Chris Sale was initially planning on 2024 being his last season before he got traded to Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/G0YDZVTcGf

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) November 21, 2024

The 35-year-old was previously acquired by the Braves in Dec. 2023 with Atlanta sending infielder Vaughn Grissom to the Red Sox.

Sale earned the first Cy Young Award of his career on Wednesday.

Chris Sale secures his first career Cy Young Award in his first season in Atlanta!

He joins four Hall of Famers and @Braves greats to win the award. pic.twitter.com/f6VQsuMTsG

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 20, 2024

He wrapped up an incredible regular season in his first year with the Braves, compiling a record of 18-3 in 29 starts. Sale’s 2.38 ERA represented the best mark in the majors while recording a 1.013 WHIP. He also struck out 225 batters compared to 39 walks in 177.2 innings of work.

Chris Sale becomes the first left-handed pitcher in Braves history to record 200 strikeouts in a single season 🔥

(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/EaCj1tzvhf

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) September 3, 2024

Sale wasn’t on Atlanta’s roster during its Wild Card Series loss to the San Diego Padres due to back spasms, but his presence throughout the regular season was crucial for a Braves team that dealt with a season-ending UCL injury to All-Star Spencer Strider in April.

As for Sale, he made seven consecutive All-Star appearances of his own from 2012 through 2018. He then missed the entire 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and struggled to stay healthy upon his return.

During his final three years in Boston from 2021-23, Sale made only 31 total starts and posted an ERA of just 3.93. This included an uninspiring 4.30 ERA in the season prior to his trade to Atlanta.

While it was aided by the move, the decision not to retire ultimately paid off for Sale.

With Strider and star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. set to return in 2025 following season-ending injuries, Sale is expected to be an important piece of a Braves team with postseason aspirations once again.