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MLB power rankings: Top 25 current players

By Joshua Sadlock

April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Chris Sale

SP, Boston Red Sox

  • Career Stats: 75-51, 2.97 ERA, 1,273 SO, 1.06 WHIP, 14 CG, 10.1 K/9
  • Career Accolades: 5x All-Star, 4x top-five AL Cy Young

In his first season with the Red Sox, Chris Sale is pitching like a man possessed. Through his first three starts with the Sox, Sale is 1-1 with a 1.25 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 21.2 innings. In his most recent start against Tampa Bay, the left-hander struck out 12 in seven innings. The beginning of his career in Boston has been reminiscent of Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez.

Now, more than ever, the Red Sox need Sale to be at his best. Rick Porcello has not looked like Cy Young Porcello so far in 2017. David Price is still on the disabled list with an uncertain return date. The rest of the rotation can look very good one day, but struggle the next time out. The Red Sox gave up a ton to acquire Sale, but he looks more than worth it.

Sale has been in contention for the AL Cy Young for four straight years. He led MLB in 2015 with 11.8 strikeouts per nine. His stuff is so good that he could make a run at a 300-strikeout season, but Sale dialed it back last year and pitched to contact more often. That helped him lead the league with six complete games. Whether he chooses to hunt strikeouts or weak popups for the rest of the year, Sale should be one of the favorites for the Cy Young.

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