RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target in drafts ~pick 225
CURRENT ADP: ~270 overall
ANALYSIS: Very few were expecting Cristopher Sanchez to give the Phillies the type of season he did in 2023, with a 3.44 ERA, 3.99 FIP, 1.05 WHIP, 24.2% strikeout rate, and 4% walk rate through 18 starts. While it was an impressive run, the 27-year-old didn't do enough for long enough to hold the attention of fantasy baseball managers, as he is currently available to draft well into the 200s.
Sanchez wasn't working with the God-given stuff most pitchers are, as his sinker and changeup both possess sub-75 Stuff+ grades. While that is usually a sign to stay away, incredible command (101 Location+ grade) and clever pitch usage elevate those pitches.
Regarding his pitch usage, his sinker usage lowering from 61% in 2022 to 43.5% by the end of 2023 likely played a part in his impressive September. Opting for a more robust changeup (elite 23.1% SwStr% rate on the pitch) worked wonders. When his changeup usage ticked up to 40.5% in September, he had one of his best months (2.48 xFIP, 28.1% strikeout rate, 4.2% walk rate, 1.07 WHIP), and that pitch still maintained a jaw-dropping .137 wOBA on 139 pitches in September.
While you may want to write his 2023 season off as unsustainable, an elite-performing changeup, impressive command, and an elite Phillies lineup means you should expect something close to the same. If his sinker and new cutter can sustain the improvements displayed in his first spring training start, this season could take him to the stratosphere.
Cristopher Sanchez's 10 Strikeouts by Changeups. 😲 pic.twitter.com/j7zz0tPiRW
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 25, 2023
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