Archive for the ‘Chicago White Sox’ Category

The Chicago White Sox were so impressed with Chris Sale’s first year as a starting pitcher that they’ve opted to sign the left-handed pitcher to an extension that could be worth as much as $60 million. Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago reports that Sale and the White Sox have agreed to a three-year extension worth $35 million, with club options for two years that would tack an additional $25 million on the deal.

Sale pitched masterfully for the White Sox last season after cementing his spot in the rotation, despite the club discussing him staying in the bullpen. Sale finished 2012 with a 17-8 record, 3.05 ERA, 3.27 FIP, 3.24 xFIP, and 192 strikeouts in 192 innings. The lanky lefty struck out nearly 25% of batters faced while walking 6.6%. Although his average fastball velocity dropped nearly 3 mph, Sale’s transition from reliever to starter was rather seamless. Other than a slight problem with the longball (19 HR; 11.9% HR/FB rate), Sale’s numbers across the board were extremely impressive.

Sale, who’s just 23-years old, stands 6’6″ and weighs 180 lbs. He could have served as Christian Bale’s stand-in on The Machinist, but the slight hurler whips a mean fastball and devastating slider.

The White Sox rotation currently features Jake Peavy, Gavin Floyd, John Danks and one of a handful of warm bodies in addition to Sale.