Chris Sale Climbed MLB All-Time Strikeout List
The veteran pitcher reached 2,744 career strikeouts, securing sixth place among all-time left-handed hurlers.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Baseball
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Chris Sale surpassed a major career milestone on September 23, 2026, by recording his 2,744th career strikeout. This achievement elevates the 37-year-old pitcher to sixth place on the all-time strikeout list for left-handed pitchers.
Why it matters
The milestone underscores a dominant 2026 campaign for Sale, who currently boasts a 2.18 ERA and maintains a strikeout-to-walk ratio that remains among the best in baseball history. His consistent performance has made him a key contender for the NL Cy Young award as he heads into postseason play.
Sale has accumulated 190 strikeouts over 157 innings this season, maintaining an average fastball velocity of 96.1 mph compared to the 93.6 mph league average. His career strikeout-to-walk ratio stands at 5.35, supported by a walk rate in the top 5% of MLB.
The players
Chris Sale
He is a 37-year-old veteran pitcher who has earned 10 career All-Star appearances.
The details
Sale utilizes a distinct, funky arm slot to generate unique movement on his pitches, confounding hitters throughout his 10-time All-Star career. His successful 2026 season includes a notable complete game shutout against the Los Angeles Dodgers in August.
Timeline
2018: Sale achieved a better ERA than his current season.
2019: Sale threw his previous complete game shutout.
August 2026: Sale threw a complete game shutout against the Dodgers.
September 23, 2026: Sale recorded his 2,744th career strikeout.
October 2026: Sale will pitch in the postseason.
The Big Picture
Sale's trajectory within the 2026 NL Cy Young award race mirrors that of elite veteran pitchers who maintain high velocity and precision deep into their careers. This achievement places him in the company of the greatest left-handed hurlers in professional baseball history.
Sale's 2.18 ERA and high strikeout volume make him a primary rotation asset for any fantasy baseball roster heading into the playoffs. His continued velocity and ability to limit walks provide a high floor for performance as the postseason schedule begins.
The takeaway
Sale has defied the typical decline associated with age by maintaining a fastball velocity well above the league average. His sustained success proves that his unique arm slot and control remain elite tools in today's high-velocity era.
What happens next
Chris Sale is scheduled to pitch in the postseason throughout October 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current season, visit the Baseball section.
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