Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox set the baseball world ablaze last season in his first year as a starter, going 17-8 with a 3.05 ERA and 1.14 WHIP, while striking out 192 batters in 192 innings. Now, he's being compensated for his transition into the upper tier of major league starters by the White Sox, who signed him to a five-year, $32 million contract.
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said the team is "thrilled to be able to reward Chris for his accomplishments.," and called his prized 23-year-old ace one of the best young starters in the American League.
Sale has had health issues in the past, and was nearly reverted back to a relief role in May of last season due to concerns about a "tender elbow." At the time, the Chicago Sun-Times ran the following quote related to Sale's role-- "It's not disappointing to us, it's disappointing to him because this was something he's always wanted to do,'' pitching coach Don Cooper said before the Sox' game at Detroit Friday. "We're not making this decision based on what's best for the team because obviously he's starting and doing well and that would be a wonderful thing to keep him in. We feel we're doing what's best for him, his career and his health. It's the best way to keep him healthy and strong.''
Shortly after that decision, it was reversed again and Sale rolled through June. From July on, Sale showed some chinks in his armor, posting ERAs of 3.77, 3.55 and 4.11 which indicate he wore down in his first season starting full-time. Hahn told ESPN Chicago that he isn't overly concerned about Sale's elbow issues. "A pitcher, regardless of his mechanics, there is a risk involved and a concern of potential breakdown. We are confident in Chris' durability and obviously very optimistic about his future."
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