Atlanta Braves fans have grown accustomed to watching elite-level pitching and entering the 2025 season, their rotation once again boasts one of the most dominant arms in the game. Veteran left-hander Chris Sale is set to lead the charge for the Braves as he re-establishes himself as one of the premier pitchers in baseball.

According to Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, Sale ranks No. 3 overall in their annual power rankings of MLB aces heading into the season, a testament to his resurgence and continued dominance on the mound. After battling injuries for several years, Sale returned to form in 2024 with a league-best 2.38 ERA, 2.09 FIP, and 6.4 WAR over 177.2 innings. His 18-3 record, coupled with 225 strikeouts and an elite 11.3 K/9 rate, solidified his status as a legitimate Cy Young contender and the leader of Atlanta’s rotation.

“When Sale is healthy, he might be the hardest pitcher in baseball to hit,” Kelly noted. “He was finally healthy again in 2024 and led the sport in multiple categories, including ERA, FIP, and WAR.”

The Braves, perennial contenders in the National League, are relying on Sale to anchor their staff as they push for another deep postseason run. His devastating slider and pinpoint command make him a nightmare matchup for opposing hitters, particularly lefties, and his presence atop the rotation provides stability for a team with World Series aspirations.

Sale’s performance in 2025 will be critical in the Braves’ quest to return to the World Series. If he stays healthy and replicates his 2024 dominance, Atlanta’s pitching staff could once again be among the best in baseball.

As Kelly put it, “If you asked hitters around the league what pitcher they’d least like to face, particularly left-handed ones, Sale would probably be the most popular answer.”