It’s a scenario that’s every MLB fan (and player’s dream). Game 7 of the World Series. The entire season coming down to a handful of at-bats and matchups.
And, according to MLB players, it’s clear that there’s one pitcher they wouldn’t want to face in that situation. That pitcher happens to be Atlanta Braves starter Chris Sale.
On Friday, The Athletic published a new story where they asked MLB players a variety of questions, one of which was “What pitcher would you least want to face at the plate in Game 7 of the World Series?”, which Sale won in a landslide vote.
Chris Sale has rebounded with Braves to become MLB’s most feared pitcher and votes prove it
Sale received eight votes, which was three ahead of Tarik Skubal, who came in second place with five votes. Zack Wheeler, Aroldis Chapman, Jhon Duran and Paul Skenes came in third place with three votes apiece.
It’s actually an improvement for Sale, who finished as the runner-up in The Athletic’s inaugural version of the poll in 2018 back when he was with the Boston Red Sox. Sale’ been through a lot since then, but it’s clear that MLB hitters still respect his stuff.
“You want the challenge but he’s just nasty,” one player said, while another said “he’s nasty. I got one hit off him already, so I know I’m probably never going to get another one ever again.”
‘Nasty’ is a good way to describe Sale’s stuff. He’s coming off a season where he won the National League Cy Young on the back of a Triple Crown season in his first season in Atlanta. He’s off to another great start this year, as he has a 2.79 ERA in 80 2/3 innings this year.
Chris Sale, K’ing the Side in the 6th.
11Ks thru 6. pic.twitter.com/4lRaxeNkUi
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 10, 2025
Perhaps the thing that makes Sale stand out above his peers is the variety of his arsenal.
He throws a fastball, slider, changeup and sinker, so he has four different pitches that move in four different ways. Sale’s just as good against righties (.224 batting average against) as lefties (.203), and has been around since 2010, so he’s seen a thing or two.
There’s also the matter of his story.
He was an ace for the White Sox before wearing out his welcome on the North Side and getting traded to the Red Sox. Then he pitched in just 48 1/3 innings from 2020 to 2023, which set up his trade to the Braves.
The 36-year-old is healthy and doing everything in his power to add to his illustrious résumé, and the rest of MLB is taking note.
Now it just remains to be seen if the Braves will be able to do anything to give Sale a realistic chance to pitch in the World Series.
