Braves rework Sale's contract, agree to $38 million, 2-year deal with '26 club option

Truist Park is viewed before a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

The Atlanta Braves reworked the contract for newcomer Chris Sale, announcing Thursday a $38 million, two-year deal with the left-handed pitcher acquired last weekend from the Boston Red Sox.

The contract, which also includes an $18 million club option for 2026, supersedes his previous deal that called for a $27.5 million salary this year, with $10 million of that deferred until 2039.

In essence, the seven-time All Star gets an additional $10.5 million in guaranteed money without having to wait for a deferred payment, in exchange for committing to at least two seasons with the Braves rather than one.