The White Sox started their rebuild with a huge blockbuster trade in the winter of 2016, dealing left-handed starter Chris Sale to the Red Sox, getting in return a package of prospects that included Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech. Sale has a World Series ring now and there were hopes that after the 2019 season maybe a reunion would happen with the White Sox. But Sale isn’t going to be hitting the free agent market.
Well, that dream is dead because Sale is close signing a contract extension to stay with the Red Sox.
Breaking: LHP Chris Sale and the Red Sox are close to an agreement on a contract extension https://t.co/YjJhMXbmQe
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) March 22, 2019
ESPN’s Jeff Passan is reporting the new deal will be worth about $130 million over five years.
Chris Sale’s deal, if completed, is likely to be in the five-year, $150 million range, league sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 22, 2019
The White Sox originally signed Sale to an extremely team-friendly contract worth $32 million guaranteed over five years and club options for 2018 and 2019.
The deal has now been confirmed.
Chris Sale extension with #RedSox will be five years, $145 million, sources tell The Athletic. Sale will earn $15M this season in final year of current deal. Extension is pending physical. Will run from 2020 to ‘24.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 22, 2019
Sale’s 2019 salary with the Red Sox is $15 million. The lefty has a 2.89 career ERA, making 207 starts through the first since the start of the 2012 season.