Aug 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Bill Streicher
Cristopher Sánchez won't be sneaking up on anyone in 2025, particularly since he projects to be a key cog in one of the best rotations in baseball.
A year ago, Sánchez wasn't guaranteed much beyond a chance to be in the Opening Day rotation after a strong finish to the 2023 season. But he had a breakout 2024 campaign, posting a 3.32 ERA and 3.00 FIP across 181 2/3 innings, making the NL All-Star team and even getting some down-ballot NL Cy Young Award votes.
Armed with a four-year/$22.5 million extension that will begin this season, Sánchez said Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park that he's excited for the chance to pitch in one of the most stacked starting rotations in baseball.
"Yeah, just being honest, this is one of the best rotations, if not the best," Sánchez said through an interpreter. "As long as we all stay healthy, we'll be one of the best."
Obviously, the Los Angeles Dodgers will have something to say about that. There's a lot of injury risk in their starting rotation, but it's hard to look at a group that includes Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May and not be intrigued.
The Phillies, though, made a pretty big addition to their rotation, acquiring Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins in December. Sánchez was happy to learn of the trade.
"Just excited, he's a great player ... great person and I feel like he will add a lot to our team," Sánchez said.
From @TimKellySports: Jesús Luzardo — the Lizard King? — Excited To Join Loaded Phillies Rotation https://t.co/MoLltMnCFH
Luzardo is coming off of an injury-plagued 2024 season, but was one of the better starters in the National League between 2022 and 2023, when he posted a 3.48 ERA across 50 starts for the Fish. He's joining a rotation that produced three All-Stars a year ago in Sánchez, Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suárez, and also includes probably the most durable pitcher of this era in Aaron Nola. Plus No. 1 prospect Andrew Painter is expected to make his long-awaited debut at some point this summer. This has a chance to be a really special group.
Sánchez acknowledged he has goals from an individual perspective. But if he and the starting rotation each achieve their goals, the Phillies will likely find themselves playing in October for the fourth consecutive year, trying to finally get over the hump and win a World Series.
"Obviously, the main goal is to stay healthy throughout the season," Sánchez said. "Going to the All-Star Game again is one of my goals. And again, just try to help the team win, try to get us to our ultimate goal."
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