Chris Sale showcased his prowess in the opening of spring training with the Atlanta Braves, delivering two perfect innings against the Minnesota Twins. Although the Braves lost 3-1, Sale retired all six batters he faced, demonstrating his control by throwing 21 pitches with 14 strikes. This performance comes as he enters his second season with the Braves, following a remarkable previous year where he claimed the Cy Young Award, going 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA and leading the league with 225 strikeouts.

As a recent recipient of the pitching Triple Crown in the National League, Sale's health is pivotal for the Braves moving forward. He made 29 starts last season, his highest since 2017, indicating a return to form after injury struggles. Fans and fantasy owners alike will be watching closely as he strives to replicate or improve upon his dominant 2022 performance.

The current state of Major League Baseball's starting pitchers is uncharacteristically weak, with no pitcher exceeding 230 strikeouts last season, a notable decline from previous years. Paul Skenes from the Pittsburgh Pirates stands out with an average fastball speed of 98.8 mph, ranking first in ERA but facing injury risks. Tarik Skubal, excelling in multiple pitching metrics, may lack offensive support. Zack Wheeler remains a consistent choice, though his strikeout rate is moderate. Chris Sale, a former Cy Young winner, poses injury concerns as he ages. Dark horse candidates include Blake Snell and Garrett Crochet, both capable of leading in strikeouts but plagued by inconsistencies. Lastly, Jacob deGrom's historical excellence contrasts with recent injury struggles.

Chris Sale's impressive resurgence as a starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves is noteworthy. After enduring significant injury setbacks, Sale has rebounded to make 29 starts in 2024, the most since 2017, culminating in a remarkable 18-3 record and a stellar 2.38 ERA. His achievements this season include winning the Cy Young Award, the National League Triple Crown, and being named the NL Comeback Player of the Year. Sale's journey illustrates a remarkable comeback, potentially setting him up for another strong season.

Looking ahead, projections suggest that while Sale may not replicate his Cy Young numbers, he still has a bright future. His performance has provided the Braves with much-needed stability in their rotation, particularly vital given the team's struggles with injuries. With expectations high for another solid showing next season, Sale is a player to watch for fantasy enthusiasts aiming to bolster their pitching staff with a proven veteran.

In the latest MLB Network's top 100 players for 2025, the Atlanta Braves have two standout members: Chris Sale at No. 20 and Ronald Acuña Jr. at No. 16. Acuña, who was the No. 1 player in 2024, faced a significant setback due to a torn ACL last season, limiting his time to just 49 games. Despite this, projections suggest he will bounce back to hit .291 with 26 home runs and 102 RBIs across 131 games. On the other hand, Sale has had an impressive resurgence, winning the National League Cy Young Award and posting a projected 14-8 record with a 3.07 ERA and 230 strikeouts. Together, they highlight the Braves' depth as they gear up for a competitive season.

Baseball's spring training is here, and with it come various pivotal questions for the 2025 fantasy season. Will Shohei Ohtani's recent surgeries impact his incredible performance? While his elbow issue is less concerning, a torn labrum could affect his power and speed. Ronald Acuña and Spencer Strider are also under the microscope as both return from serious injuries. Their performance could define the Braves' season and your fantasy draft choices.

Newcomers like Lawrence Butler and Wyatt Langford have fans buzzing—can they sustain their impressive stats from last season? Meanwhile, veterans like Chris Sale and Jacob deGrom raise concerns about durability and workload. The uncertainty surrounding them adds a layer of complexity to draft strategies. Meanwhile, the ever-changing dynamics of ballparks and equipment could shift player values significantly. Welcome back to baseball; it's going to be a fascinating ride.