Chris Sale hates distractions -- even if they're multimillion-dollar distractions.
The Boston Red Sox ace will hit unrestricted free agency after this season and should be in line for a hefty new contract.
- MORE RED SOX: Sale says he'd love to stay in Boston
But when asked Thursday morning how that new contract may change his life, Sale stayed on brand.
"It’s not about buying anything. It’s about playing for championships," Sale said in an interview on WEEI's "Mut & Callahan" radio show.
Sale's comments echo what he said Wednesday in Fort Myers, Fla., on the first day of Red Sox spring training: He's just focused on his job, which in his mind doesn't involve negotiating contracts.
"I’ve got one thing to worry about. I’m a pitcher," Sale told WEEI. "I’m going to go out there and pitch and do everything I can to make myself better and make my team better. I just don’t have time to worry about it, and I’ve never had time to worry about it.
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"I’ve never thought about this or that, contracts extensions or free agency. I’ve always just gone out and pitched."
Sale's tunnel vision aside, 2019 will be a very important year for the 29-year-old left-hander. He showed signs of wear and tear last season, pitching fewer than 160 innings in a season for the first time since he transitioned to a starter in 2012.
Sale still was lights out, posting a 12-4 record and 2.11 ERA, but he may need to reestablish his durability to earn his full worth on the free agent market.
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