| Aaron Sanchez | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Sanchez with theHouston Astros in 2019 | |
| Kansas City Royals – No. 45 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1992-07-01)July 1, 1992 (age 33) Barstow, California, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| July 23, 2014, for the Toronto Blue Jays | |
| MLB statistics (through 2022 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 38–38 |
| Earned run average | 4.16 |
| Strikeouts | 541 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Aaron Jacob Sanchez (born July 1, 1992) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher in theKansas City Royals organization. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theToronto Blue Jays,Houston Astros,San Francisco Giants,Washington Nationals, andMinnesota Twins. He was drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round of the2010 Major League Baseball draft, and made his MLB debut in 2014. In 2015, Sanchez was ranked by MLB as the number 3 prospect in the Blue Jays' organization, and the 44th best prospect in baseball.[1][2]
Sanchez was born inBarstow, California, to Lynn Shipley (née Gesky). She left Aaron's biological father, Frank Sanchez, while pregnant with him.[3] Lynn later married Mike Shipley, who was drafted in the fourth round of the1976 Major League Baseball draft by theCalifornia Angels.[4] Shipley's pitching career ended when he suffered a left shoulder injury; he then took a coaching position atBarstow Community College.[5]
Sanchez attendedBarstow High School, where he posted a 7–0win–loss record, 0.73earned run average (ERA), and 104strikeouts in 572⁄3innings pitched. He alsobatted .403 with fivehome runs.[6]
TheToronto Blue Jays selected Sanchez in the first round, with the 34th selection overall, of the2010 Major League Baseball draft.[7] He spent the 2010 season with theGulf Coast League Blue Jays and theNew York–Penn League Auburn Doubledays, posting a combined record of 0–3 with a 2.16 ERA and 37 strikeouts through 10 starts.[8] In 2011, Sanchez split time with theBluefield Blue Jays of theAppalachian League and theVancouver Canadians of theNorthwest League, compiling a record of 3–3 with an ERA of 5.30 and 56 strikeouts through 14 appearances, 9 of which were starts.[8] Sanchez spent the 2012 season with the Single-ALansing Lugnuts, pitching to an 8–5 record, 2.49 ERA, and 97 strikeouts in 901⁄3 innings.[8]
On January 29, 2013, Sanchez was named number 35 on MLB's Top 100 Prospects list.[9] On July 26, 2013, Sanchez was ranked number 24 on MLB's revised Top 100 Prospects list, and the number 1 prospect in the Blue Jays organization.[10][11] He spent the 2013 minor league season with the Advanced-ADunedin Blue Jays, posting a 4–5 win–loss record, 3.34 ERA, and 75 strikeouts in 861⁄3 innings. He played for theSalt River Rafters of theArizona Fall League after the minor league season ended, and posted a 1.16 ERA in 6 starts for the team.[8]
In February 2014, Sanchez was ranked as the 32nd best prospect in baseball by Baseball America.[12] He attended 2014 spring training and was sent to the minor league camp on March 22.[13] Sanchez went toMontreal with the Blue Jays for a two-game exhibition series on March 28 and 29 against theNew York Mets and was the pitcher of record in the second game.[14] In 2014 spring training, Sanchez pitched to a 2–0 record with a 0.00 ERA. He started the 2014 season with the Double-ANew Hampshire Fisher Cats, and was promoted to the Triple-ABuffalo Bisons on June 12.[15] He struggled with control, issuing 17 walks in 321⁄3 Triple-A innings, and on July 17, it was announced that he would be moved to the bullpen.[16] On July 22, he was called up to the Major League club.[17]
On July 22, 2014, it was announced that Sanchez had been promoted to theToronto Blue Jays to pitch out of the bullpen.[18] He made his debut on July 23, pitching 2 innings and recording 2 strikeouts against theBoston Red Sox.[19] On July 27, Sanchez earned his first Major League win, pitching 2 innings against theNew York Yankees. On August 30, he recorded his first major leaguesave, pitching 2 innings and preserving a 2–0 lead over the Yankees.[20] Sanchez made 24 appearances for the Blue Jays in 2014, and posted a 2–2 record with a 1.09 ERA, 27 strikeouts, 3 saves, and a 0.70 WHIP in 33 innings pitched.[21]
Heading into the 2015 season, Sanchez was expected to pitch out of the bullpen, and to compete for thecloser role. AfterMarcus Stroman suffered a torn leftACL on March 10, Sanchez pitched in the rotation for the rest of spring training and earned the fifth starter spot to open the season.[22] He recorded his first win as a starter on April 22, defeating theBaltimore Orioles 4–2. Sanchez pitched 51⁄3 innings and yielded two runs on two hits and seven walks with four strikeouts. In winning, he became the first Toronto pitcher to win despite issuing seven walks sinceJeff Ware in 1995.[23] On May 8, Sanchez shutout the Boston Red Sox over seven innings, recording his firstquality start. The Blue Jays would win the game 7–0.[24] On June 5, he pitched into the ninth inning against theHouston Astros and took the win, 6–2. In addition to setting a career-high in innings pitched, Sanchez did not walk a batter for the first time as a starter.[25] After missing his next scheduled start with upper body soreness, Sanchez was placed on the disabled list on June 14, retroactive to June 6, with a strainedlat muscle.[26] On July 19, managerJohn Gibbons announced that, upon his return from the disabled list, Sanchez would pitch out of the bullpen.[27] He was activated on July 25 in Seattle. Sanchez was ejected from a game against theKansas City Royals on August 2, for hittingAlcides Escobar with a pitch after home plate umpireJim Wolf had issued a warning in the first inning. MLB deemed it intentional, and he was suspended for 3 games on August 4.[28] Sanchez made 11 starts in the 2015 regular season and 30 relief appearances, earning a 7–6 record, 3.22 ERA, and 61 strikeouts in 921⁄3 innings.[21] He appeared in all five games of theDivision Series against theTexas Rangers, and did not allow a run in 51⁄3 innings pitched. In theChampionship Series played against the Kansas City Royals, Sanchez made four scoreless relief appearances as the Blue Jays were eliminated from the postseason in six games.[21]
Sanchez stated before the start of the 2016 season that he wanted to be in the starting rotation, and had taken part in an intensive off-season workout program with teammate Marcus Stroman.[29] He entered spring training in competition for the fifth starter role withGavin Floyd,Drew Hutchison, andJesse Chavez. On March 28, John Gibbons announced that Sanchez would begin the 2016 season in the starting rotation, but insinuated that he would be held to an innings-limit that may move him to the bullpen later in the season. To that point in the spring, Sanchez had thrown 20 innings, yielding only three runs and three walks while striking out 19.[30] Sanchez carried a 9–1 record into the All-Star break, and on July 9, he was named to the2016 All-Star Game as a replacement forCraig Kimbrel.[31] On July 25, Sanchez won his 10th consecutive decision, defeating theSan Diego Padres. In doing so, he became the first Blue Jay sinceRoy Halladay in 2003 to win at least 10 consecutive decisions.[32] In his start on July 31, Sanchez threw seven innings and surpassed his career-high of 1331⁄3 innings pitched, raising his 2016 total to 1391⁄3.[33]
Prior to the trade deadline, the Blue Jays acquiredFrancisco Liriano from thePittsburgh Pirates, and it was widely believed that Liriano would take Sanchez's place in the starting rotation and allow Sanchez to be moved to the bullpen, to better limit his workload in the 2016 season. Several members of the team and media, includingRussell Martin and Hall-of-FamerJohn Smoltz, expressed their desire to see Sanchez remain in the rotation.[34] Entering August, Sanchez had an American League leading 2.71 ERA.[35] After meeting with Sanchez, John Gibbons, and pitching coachPete Walker, general managerRoss Atkins announced on August 4 that Sanchez would remain a starter, and that the team would use a six-man rotation.[36] Sanchez started against theCleveland Indians on August 20, and was optioned to the Advanced-ADunedin Blue Jays the following day in order to skip his next start.[37] Sanchez was recalled on August 31.[38] He lasted just 32⁄3 innings in his start on September 11, leaving due to a blister on his pitching hand.[39] Sanchez's next start was skipped to allow his blister to heal, and he returned to the rotation on September 21. Sanchez earned his 15th win of the season on October 2, lowering his earned run average to 3.00 and earning him theAmerican League ERA title. The win also clinched the firstAL Wild Card position.[40] Sanchez closed the 2016 regular season with a 15–2 record, 3.00 ERA, and 161 strikeouts in 192 innings pitched.[21] He started the third game of theDivision Series against the Texas Rangers, and allowed six earned runs in 52⁄3 innings. Toronto would win the game in extra innings, 7–6, and eliminate the Rangers from the postseason for the second consecutive season. In theChampionship Series, Sanchez started Game 4 and gave the Blue Jays their only win of the series, pitching six innings and allowing only two hits and one earned run to theCleveland Indians.[21]
On October 25, general managerRoss Atkins stated that the organization would not limit Sanchez's innings in the 2017 season.[41] Sanchez finished seventh in voting for the2016 American League Cy Young Award, receiving a third place vote and three fifth place votes.[42] On January 25, 2017, Sanchez was announced as the cover athlete for the Canadian version ofMLB The Show 17.[43]
During 2017 spring training, the Blue Jays renewed Sanchez's contract at the MLB-minimum of $535,000. The team had reportedly attempted to negotiate a raise in payment with Sanchez and his agent,Scott Boras, however the offer was refused by Sanchez and Boras.[44][45] On April 16, Sanchez was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a lingering blister on his right hand.[46] He underwent minor surgery on April 18 to remove a portion of the fingernail on his right middle finger.[47] Sanchez was activated from the disabled list on April 30 and started that day against theTampa Bay Rays, but lasted only one inning before leaving with a split fingernail.[48][49] The injury forced Sanchez back to the disabled list the following day.[50] On May 20, 2017, Sanchez was placed on the 10-day disabled list for the third time of the season due to the same finger issue.[51] Sanchez was placed on the disabled list for the fourth time in the season on July 22 with a recurrence of the same blister.[52] Sanchez made only 8 starts for the Blue Jays in 2017 due to blister and finger issues, finishing with a 1–3 record and a 4.25 ERA.
On January 12, 2018, Sanchez avoidedsalary arbitration with the Blue Jays by signing a one-year, $2.7 million contract.[53] He struggled to begin the season with inconsistency and control, walking 45 batters in79+2⁄3 innings. He was placed on the disabled list on June 23 with a contusion in his right hand.[54] He finished the season 4–6 in 20 starts.
On July 31, 2019, Sanchez was traded to theHouston Astros, along withJoe Biagini andCal Stevenson, for outfielderDerek Fisher.[55]In his debut with the Astros on August 3, Sanchez pitched the first six innings of a combined no-hitter against theSeattle Mariners.[56] On August 20, Sanchez left the game early with right pectoral discomfort. An MRI revealed a torn capsule in his right shoulder, and Jeff Luhnow announced on September 5 that Sanchez would miss the rest of the 2019 season and possibly the 2020 season as well.[57]
On February 21, 2021, after sitting out thecoronavirus-shortened 2020 season due to injury, Sanchez agreed to a one-year, $4M contract with theSan Francisco Giants.[58][59] On June 20, he was placed on the 60-day injured list with right bicep tightness.[60][61] On August 8, Sanchez wasdesignated for assignment.[62][63] On August 13, he was placed on unconditional release waivers by the Giants.[64] Through nine games with the Giants (seven starts, two relief outings), Sanchez pitched35+1⁄3 innings with a 3.06 ERA and a WHIP of 1.33.[65]
On March 13, 2022, Sanchez signed a minor league contract with theWashington Nationals.[66] He opened the 2022 season with theRochester Red Wings, until his contract was selected by Washington on April 23.[67] That same day, he started for the Nationals against the San Francisco Giants.[68] He was designated for assignment on May 24, 2022, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A on May 28. On May 31, 2022 Sanchez elected free agency.[69]
On June 2, 2022, Sanchez signed a minor league contract with theMinnesota Twins organization. He had his contract selected on August 1. He started that day against theDetroit Tigers, allowing 2 runs and striking out 8 in ano decision. Sanchez was designated for assignment by Minnesota the following day.[70] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-ASt. Paul Saints on August 5.[71]
On August 23, Sanchez was selected back to the major league roster to make a start against theHouston Astros.[72] On September 23, Sanchez was designated for assignment. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple–A St. Paul on September 25.[73] On October 3, Sanchez was yet again selected to the major league roster.[74] He elected free agency following the season on November 10.[75]
On January 30, 2023, Sanchez re-signed with the Twins on a minor league contract.[76] In 18 games (16 starts) for Triple—A St. Paul, he registered a 4–4 record and 57 strikeouts in 73.0 innings of work. On July 23, Sanchez was released by the Twins organization.[77]
On August 9, 2023, Sanchez signed a minor league contract with theArizona Diamondbacks organization.[78] In 4 starts for the Triple–AReno Aces, he logged a 6.61 ERA with 11 strikeouts in16+1⁄3 innings pitched. On August 30, Sanchez was released by the Diamondbacks.[79]
On May 6, 2024, Sanchez signed a minor league contract with theToronto Blue Jays.[80] In 14 starts for the Triple–ABuffalo Bisons, he struggled to a 3–6 record and 7.92 ERA with 41 strikeouts across61+1⁄3 innings pitched. Sanchez was released by the Blue Jays organization on August 6.[81]
On July 16, 2025, it was reported that Sanchez would be attempting an MLB comeback.[82] Sanchez pitched forToros del Este of theDominican Professional Baseball League in the winter of 2025-26, and was named the pitcher of the year in the league. In eight starts, Sanchez posted a 4-2 record with a 1.55 ERA.[83]
On January 27, 2026, Sanchez signed a minor league contract with theKansas City Royals that included an invitation to spring training.[84]
Sanchez is believed to be the first MLB player born inBarstow, California. After his debut and successful first season, the Barstow City Council declared October 20, 2014, to be "Aaron Sanchez Day".[85]
Sanchez is ofMexican andEuropean descent, and is eligible to play for either the United States or Mexico at theWorld Baseball Classic.[86]
| Awards and achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | No-hit game August 3, 2019 (withHarris,Biagini &Devenski) | Succeeded by |
