​Chris Sale Looks Back on Time With Red Sox During All-Star Break: ‘I’ll Always Love Them’ originally appeared on NESN.
Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Chris Sale is currently putting together an elite late-career resurgence, highlighted by his 2024 National League Cy Young, Triple Crown, and Gold Glove awards. Yet, even as the 10-time All-Star continues to dominate on the mound, he is still reflecting on his complicated tenure in Boston.During the 2026 MLB All-Star break, the veteran left-hander looked back at his seven seasons with the Red Sox, offering an honest perspective on both the ultimate high of winning the 2018 World Series and the frustration of the injury-plagued years that followed.Throughout his time with the Red Sox, Sale started over 100 games while having a WHIP just over 1.00. He threw the final pitch in Game 5 against the Dodgers in 2018, securing Boston’s ninth championship.While his MLB career is in its waning years, he’ll always have a special place for Boston in his heart.Chris Sale reflects on Red Sox tenureWhen speaking on the FOX desk during the MLB All-Star Game, Sale was candid about his up-and-down tenure in Boston, saying, “I gave it everything I had.””I just felt like I owed it to Boston. Like hey, I need to give them everything I have because I really felt guilty for those years of not being able to show up and not play… I don’t know if they’ll love me forever, but I’ll always love them.” ❤️Chris Sale spoke to David… pic.twitter.com/U3AGBYLSA3— NESN (@NESN) July 15, 2026″I just felt like I owed it to Boston,” Sale said. “Like, hey, I need to give them everything I have because I really felt guilty for those years of not being able to show up and not play… I don’t know if they’ll love me forever, but I’ll always love them.”Sale spoke to David Ortiz about how things ended in Boston, explaining the mental toll of his injury-hampered seasons. Despite the frustration of those final years, Ortiz reassured him that Red Sox fans will always hold him in high regard for his dominance and his role in clinching the 2018 World Series.Since leaving Boston, Sale has reasserted himself among the MLB’s elite, winning the NL Cy Young, Triple Crown and Gold Glove in 2024. He also became the fastest pitcher to ever reach 2,500 strikeouts, and this season earned his 10th All-Star selection.Chris Sale Red Sox statsTraded to Boston ahead of the 2017 season, Sale hit historic highs — including a World Series title — before injuries limited his workload.YearW–LERAG (GS)IPSOWHIPKey Accolades / Notes201717–82.9032 (32)214.13080.97Led MLB in SO, Cy Young Runner-up201812–42.1127 (27)158.02370.86World Series Champion, All-Star20196–114.4025 (25)147.12181.09Season cut short by elbow injury2020——————Missed season (Tommy John surgery)20215–13.169 (9)42.2521.34Returned in August20220–13.182 (2)5.251.06Rib fracture, broken finger20236–54.3020 (20)102.21251.13Traded to Atlanta