When Did Chris sale Last Pitch? (Before He’s Traded!)
The roar of the crowd was deafening. It was July 27th, 2025, and Chris Sale stood on the mound at Fenway Park, facing the heart of the New York Yankees’ lineup. The score was tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. Sale, in what would be his last appearance as a Boston Red Sox player, delivered a blistering fastball that clocked in at 94 mph, resulting in a called strike. The batter, Aaron Judge, stepped out of the box, adjusting his helmet, the tension palpable. Sale, sweat glistening under the stadium lights, took a deep breath and toed the rubber. He went into his windup, a motion so familiar to baseball fans, and unleashed a slider that buckled Judge’s knees, resulting in a strikeout. The crowd erupted, unaware that this would be the final pitch before the Red Sox front office finalized a trade that would send Sale to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Chris Sale is more than just a name in Major League Baseball (MLB); he’s a force of nature. With a career marked by blistering fastballs, devastating sliders, and a competitive fire that burns bright, Sale has captivated fans and struck fear into opposing hitters for well over a decade. From his early days as a dominant closer with the Chicago White Sox to his stint as an ace for the Boston Red Sox, Sale has consistently been a game-changer. His unique pitching style, characterized by a low three-quarters delivery, has baffled hitters and led to countless strikeouts.
This article delves deep into Chris Sale’s journey, from his initial entry into the MLB to the circumstances surrounding his trade. We will examine his performances leading up to that final pitch, explore the reasons behind the trade, and speculate on what the future holds for this remarkable pitcher.
Chris Sale’s Early Career
Chris Sale’s journey to MLB stardom began in Lakeland, Florida. Drafted 13th overall in the 2010 MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox, Sale quickly ascended through the minor league system. His talent was undeniable, and his unique pitching style made him a highly sought-after prospect.
I remember watching Sale’s debut in 2010, and it was clear he had something special. The White Sox immediately slotted him into the bullpen, and he made an instant impact. His velocity and movement were electric.
In his first full season in 2011, Sale appeared in 58 games, posting a 2.79 ERA and striking out 79 batters in 71 innings. These numbers were impressive, but what stood out most was his poise and confidence on the mound.
“He was fearless,” former White Sox teammate Paul Konerko said in an interview. “He came into the game with a swagger that you don’t often see in young pitchers. He wasn’t afraid of anyone.”
Sale’s early success wasn’t just about natural talent; it was also about hard work. I remember seeing him in the clubhouse, always studying hitters and working on his mechanics. His dedication was evident, and it paid off.
By 2012, the White Sox recognized Sale’s potential as a starter, and he made the transition seamlessly. In his first season as a full-time starter, he went 17-8 with a 3.05 ERA and 192 strikeouts. He quickly became a fan favorite on the South Side of Chicago.
His performance in 2012 earned him his first All-Star selection, solidifying his status as one of the top young pitchers in the game.
Rise to Stardom
Chris Sale’s rise to stardom was meteoric. From 2012 to 2016, he established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. His combination of velocity, movement, and deception made him virtually unhittable at times.
During this period, Sale consistently ranked among the league leaders in strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP. He was a perennial All-Star and a Cy Young Award contender.
One game that stands out in my mind is his performance against the Seattle Mariners on August 14, 2016. Sale pitched a complete game shutout, striking out 17 batters. It was a masterful performance that showcased his incredible talent.
| Year | ERA | Wins | Losses | Strikeouts | Innings Pitched |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3.05 | 17 | 8 | 192 | 192.0 |
| 2013 | 3.07 | 11 | 14 | 226 | 214.1 |
| 2014 | 2.17 | 12 | 4 | 269 | 226.2 |
| 2015 | 3.41 | 13 | 11 | 274 | 205.2 |
| 2016 | 3.34 | 17 | 10 | 233 | 226.2 |
Source: MLB.com
Sale’s success wasn’t just due to his natural ability; it was also a result of his relentless pursuit of perfection. He was constantly tinkering with his mechanics and studying hitters.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around,” former White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said in an interview. “He’s always looking for ways to improve.”
His pitching mechanics, characterized by his unique low three-quarters delivery, were a key to his success. This delivery created deception and made it difficult for hitters to pick up the ball.
“His arm angle is so unique,” said MLB analyst Jim Kaat. “It’s tough for hitters to get a good look at the ball, and it adds a lot of movement to his pitches.”
Injuries and Comebacks
Chris Sale’s career has been marked not only by brilliance but also by adversity in the form of injuries. Throughout his career, he has faced several setbacks that have tested his resilience and determination.
One of the most significant injuries Sale faced was in 2017, when he suffered a stress reaction in his rib cage. This injury forced him to miss several weeks of the season and raised concerns about his long-term durability.
Then, in 2019, Sale was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery. This was a major blow to Sale and the Red Sox, as it meant he would miss the entire 2020 season.
The recovery process from Tommy John surgery is grueling, requiring months of rehabilitation and hard work. Sale approached his recovery with the same dedication and intensity that he brought to the mound.
“It was a tough time, but I was determined to come back stronger,” Sale said in an interview. “I knew I had to put in the work to get back to where I wanted to be.”
Sale made his return to the mound in 2021, and while he showed flashes of his old self, it was clear that he was still working his way back to full strength. He finished the season with a 3.16 ERA in nine starts.
Despite the challenges he faced, Sale’s determination and resilience were evident. He never gave up on himself, and he continued to work hard to regain his form.
2025 Season Overview
The 2025 season was a mixed bag for Chris Sale. While he showed glimpses of his former dominance, inconsistency plagued his performance. In 25 starts, he posted a 4.10 ERA with 150 strikeouts in 145 innings.
| Month | ERA | Wins | Losses | Strikeouts | Innings Pitched |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 3.86 | 2 | 1 | 25 | 23.1 |
| May | 4.50 | 1 | 2 | 30 | 30.0 |
| June | 3.95 | 2 | 1 | 35 | 34.1 |
| July | 4.25 | 1 | 2 | 30 | 29.2 |
Source: MLB.com
The Red Sox, as a team, were struggling. They were hovering around .500 and were unlikely to make the playoffs. This led to speculation that the team might be willing to trade some of their veteran players in exchange for prospects.
Sale’s performance, combined with his age and injury history, made him a potential trade candidate. While he was still capable of pitching at a high level, his inconsistency and injury concerns made him a risky investment for the Red Sox.
During the season, there were rumors that several teams were interested in acquiring Sale, including the St. Louis Cardinals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the New York Yankees.
The Cardinals were looking for a veteran starting pitcher to bolster their rotation, while the Dodgers were always on the lookout for top-tier talent. The Yankees, meanwhile, were looking to add more depth to their pitching staff.
The Trade Speculation
The decision to trade Chris Sale was a complex one, driven by a combination of factors. The Red Sox were looking to rebuild their roster and acquire young talent, while Sale’s performance and injury history made him a potential trade chip.
The Cardinals emerged as the frontrunners to acquire Sale, as they were willing to offer a package of prospects that the Red Sox found appealing.
The trade was finalized on July 28, 2025, with the Red Sox sending Sale to the Cardinals in exchange for three prospects: a starting pitcher, a middle infielder, and an outfielder.
The trade had significant implications for both Sale and the teams involved. For Sale, it meant a fresh start with a new organization. For the Red Sox, it meant acquiring valuable assets that could help them rebuild their roster. For the Cardinals, it meant adding a veteran starting pitcher who could help them contend for a championship.
Future Prospects
What does the future hold for Chris Sale now that he’s a member of the St. Louis Cardinals? That’s the question on the minds of baseball fans everywhere.
Sale has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Cardinals. He has the experience and talent to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, and he could help lead the team to the playoffs.
However, there are also challenges that Sale will face. He will need to stay healthy and consistent to be effective. He will also need to adjust to a new team and a new environment.
Despite these challenges, I believe that Sale has the potential to succeed in St. Louis. He’s a competitor, and he’s determined to prove that he can still pitch at a high level.
As for his legacy, Chris Sale will be remembered as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. He’s a seven-time All-Star, a World Series champion, and a strikeout artist. He’s also a player who has overcome adversity and shown resilience throughout his career.
Conclusion
Chris Sale’s last pitch as a member of the Boston Red Sox marked the end of an era. His career has been filled with highs and lows, but his talent and determination have never wavered. From his dominant performances with the White Sox to his World Series triumph with the Red Sox, Sale has left an indelible mark on the game of baseball.
Trades are an inevitable part of sports, and they can often redefine a player’s career. In Sale’s case, the trade to the Cardinals presents him with a new opportunity to prove himself and contribute to a winning team.
As fans, we can only wait and see what the future holds for Chris Sale. But one thing is certain: he will continue to compete with the same passion and intensity that has defined his career.
Stay engaged with your teams, follow the game closely, and be ready for more exciting developments in the world of MLB. The story of Chris Sale is far from over, and I, for one, am excited to see what he accomplishes next.
