As the 2024 MLB season comes to a close, one name that looms large in absence is Chris Sale. Touted as a frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award before the season began, Sale’s anticipated dominance on the mound was cut short, leaving a void that the team struggled to fill.
After years of being a perennial All-Star and strikeout machine in the American League, Sale’s transition to the National League was one of the most talked-about storylines this year. His ability to dismantle opposing lineups with his devastating slider and pinpoint fastball earned him the title of “presumed NL Cy Young winner” in preseason discussions. His reputation preceded him, and the expectations were sky-high for the veteran left-hander to lead his new team to postseason glory.
What Could Have Been
But as the baseball gods would have it, fate took a different turn. Sale was sidelined for the majority of the season due to a series of setbacks, ranging from shoulder fatigue to minor but nagging injuries. Each time he seemed ready to return, another obstacle arose, dashing the hopes of fans and his teammates alike.
Without Sale’s presence on the mound, the team’s pitching staff lacked the shutdown ace they had banked on. His ability to pitch deep into games, control the tempo, and dominate critical matchups was sorely missed. Though other pitchers stepped up admirably in his absence, the team couldn’t quite replicate the winning formula they had envisioned.
The Impact of Sale’s Absence
Had Sale been healthy, the narrative of this season could have been drastically different. His talent, leadership, and experience could have made the difference in several close games, and perhaps the team’s postseason picture would look much rosier. Opposing hitters breathed a collective sigh of relief each time Sale’s name wasn’t penciled in the lineup.
Fans can only wonder what might have been if Sale had remained healthy. His performance in past years—highlighted by his impressive strikeout totals and Cy Young-worthy campaigns—suggested that this year was set to be his crowning moment. A strong, full season from Sale would have not only bolstered his team’s chances but likely cemented his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of his era.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Though this season didn’t go as planned, Sale’s competitive fire remains strong. He has already expressed his determination to return stronger in 2025, vowing to silence the doubters and prove that he still has Cy Young-caliber stuff left in the tank. As fans and analysts debate whether Sale can still be the dominant force he once was, one thing is certain: a healthy Chris Sale is still one of the most dangerous pitchers in baseball.
For now, all we can do is wait and see what the next season holds. But one thing is clear—this year, the big missing piece was indeed Chris Sale.
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