MLB Insider Says Former Red Sox Star ‘Clearly’ Belongs In Hall Of Fame

A somewhat contentious Hall of Fame debate seems obvious to one prominent MLB insider.

Injuries muddied much of Chris Sale’s time with the Boston Red Sox, but the Atlanta Braves ace reignited the Cooperstown conversation by winning his first career Cy Young Award last season. While he sports an elite 3.02 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 30.6 strikeout percentage over his career, the 36-year-old has worked far fewer innings (2,047 2/3) than likely locks Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

Jon Heyman nevertheless thinks Sale is an easy choice. After writing: “Chris Sale is a Hall of Famer. Don’t @ me” on social media last week, the veteran reporter defended his claim on MLB Network.

“A couple of years ago, we weren’t including him on that list with Kershaw, Verlander and Scherzer, right? He wasn’t included,” Heyman said. “I think the Cy Young kind of put him over the top, certainly for me.”

Heyman noted that Sale currently has fewer wins (143) than any Hall of Fame pitcher, but the left-hander can still bolster that tally and approach Sandy Koufax’s 165. Regardless, Heyman believes Sale’s dominance while on the mound justifies recognition despite his limited durability.

“Generally, you’re looking at pitchers with more than 200 wins,” Heyman added. “But looking at his career, he’s seven times in the top five of the Cy Young (voting), twice started the All-Star Game. He is the all-time leader in strikeouts per nine.”

With a lower WAR than Andy Pettitte, Cole Hamels and Tim Hudson, Sale may need to continue his strong late-career resurgence to secure an induction. Yet Heyman thinks it should already be a done deal.

“I really don’t see the argument against, other than the win total (and) inning total isn’t that high,” Heyman said. “Big deal. He’s clearly a Hall of Famer.”

Unfortunately, Sale must pause his Hall of Fame pursuit. Amid another stellar 2025, Atlanta placed him on the injured list Saturday with a fractured left rib cage. There’s no timetable for his projected return.