MLB Player Highlight #1: Christopher Sanchez, PHI

A lesser-talked about MLB player who I think deserves a player highlight this season is Christopher Sanchez, LHP for the Phillies. While he doesn't often make headlines, his performance on the mound has been deserving of them.

in 2024, Sanchez has posted a 2.97 ERA over 19 starts, accumulating 109 innings. His FIP (3.15) and xERA (3.05) suggest that he's performing to his expectations, and that events not in his control have gone slightly in his favor. He accomplishes this through high K/9 (9.36) and a low BB/9 (2.35) rates, which always sounds easier said than done. When opposing batters do make contact, balls are leaving their bats at an average exit velocity of 87.8 mph; far below the average.

What makes Sanchez particularly intriguing is his ability to induce weak contact and keep hitters off balance. His ground ball percentage (GB%) of 55.4% is among the highest in the league, which significantly reduces the likelihood of extra-base hits and home runs. This is complemented by his hard-hit percentage of just 35.7%, further indicating that batters rarely make solid contact against him. ​

Additionally, Sanchez’s consistency in controlling the game is evident from his low walk rate, which minimizes free passes and ensures that he can pitch deeper into games. This control, combined with his ability to generate strikeouts, makes him a formidable presence on the mound.

Key Metrics to Watch:

As his 2024 campaign continues, I'll be watching how these key metrics trend:

• FIP and xFIP: These metrics will show how well his performance aligns with his skill set and whether he's sustaining his success.

• Strikeout and Walk Rates (K/9 and BB/9): High strikeout and low walk rates will indicate his dominance and control over hitters.

• Ground Ball Percentage (GB%): A high percentage will demonstrate his effectiveness in inducing weak contact and minimizing extra-base hits.

• Hard Hit Percentage and Average Exit Velocity: These will gauge the quality of contact made by opponents and his ability to keep hitters off balance.

Christopher Sanchez might not be a household name yet, but his impressive 2024 season shows that he has the tools and performance to become a key player for the Phillies.