Age just continues to be a number for 37-year-old Chris Sale, whose 2.06 ERA is the third-best in MLB this season. His dominant 2026 campaign for the Atlanta Braves has him pitching at an elite level and showing no signs of slowing down. 

In addition to his stellar ERA, he is also sporting a 10-6 record and a 1.06 WHIP with 123 strikeouts. His most recent display of dominance against the Texas Rangers, which ended in a 15-1 smackdown on July 17, had him unleash seven shutout innings with only two hits surrendered while striking out six. 

As a veteran, Sale also achieved a significant milestone achievement in his boastful outing, recording a career 2,700 strikeouts. He only needs 74 more strikeouts to surpass Frank Tanana, who ranks 26th on MLB's all-time career strikeouts list. Prior to this feat, on May 29, Sale also became the fastest pitcher in MLB history to record 2,500 strikeouts. 

He's continued to earn accolades with his 10th career All-Star selection this season. As a stalwart and ace in the Braves' rotation, he has continued to defy typical aging curves by surging his velocity. Shockingly, his jump in velocity has him throwing harder than he has in over a decade, showcasing no decline in his performance despite his age. 

Chris Sale continues to pitch like he's in his prime

Sale has retained elite chase rates (35.4%) from opposing batters that ranks in the 92nd percentile. He has also upheld an impressive 29% strikeout rate and 32.5% hard hit rate. 

Since making his debut with Atlanta, he won the 2024 NL Cy Young Award for his masterful 18-3 record with a 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts across 29 starts.

His consistency in 2026 has been a significant bright spot amid a taxed rotation, and despite a rough performance in June, the Braves remain in first in the NL East. His ability to anchor the rotation amid injuries and lackluster performances has made him a reliable force. 

But in spite of the team's ''June swoon,'' Sale has remained a stabilizing force. As a future Hall of Famer, his 0.69 HR/9 this season ranks second and his 2.72 FIP ranks third in all of MLB. 

Sale is doing unimaginable things, as it's rare for a 37-year-old starting pitcher to be performing at the resurgent level of mastery that he has showcased on the mound this season.