Cristopher Sánchez DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez's average sinker velocity last year was at 94.5 mph, but he sat at 96 to 99 mph with the pitch in his first start this spring thanks to added weight on his 6-foot-5 frame, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Sanchez was an All-Star in 2024 and posted a 3.32 ERA in 181 2/3 innings, and Passan thinks the 28-year-old southpaw could just be getting started as one of the best lefties in the game. The Phillies' starting rotation is downright scary with Sanchez joining a group that includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez and Jesus Luzardo. Sanchez was a fantasy sleeper heading into last season, and although more people know about him now, he's still undervalued. He had a below-average strikeout rate (20.3%), but he made up for it with a 5.8% walk rate and elite 57.4% ground-ball rate. Sanchez is absolutely worth taking as your No. 4 fantasy starting pitcher.

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that left-hander Cristopher Sanchez will take the ball and start Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park against the division-rival New York Mets. Right-hander Zack Wheeler will go in Game 1 on Saturday, with the Phillies saving right-hander Aaron Nola for Game 3 on the road at Citi Field on Tuesday. Sanchez had a 2.21 ERA at home this year, compared to a rough 5.02 ERA on the road. Overall, the 27-year-old Dominican southpaw went 11-9 for the Phils with a 3.32 ERA (3.00 FIP), a 1.24 WHIP and a 153:44 K:BB in 181 2/3 innings over 31 starts to become a first-time All-Star in 2024. Sanchez faced the Mets three times this year, going 1-0 with a 3.06 ERA (six earned runs allowed in 17 2/3 innings) while striking out 19 and walking nine batters. With an off day in the series on Monday, the Phillies will have a short leash with Sanchez if he gets off to a rough start on Sunday.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez had his way with the New York Mets on Sunday, allowing just one run over seven innings in a 2-1 win. Sanchez allowed six hits and a walk while punching out seven in this one. The lefty has now allowed three or fewer runs in his last six starts, five of which have been quality starts. While he has been consistent lately and is a must-start pitcher, Sanchez remains a candidate for an occasional blow-up start, making him a frustrating pitcher for fantasy purposes. On the whole, he's put together a very solid season and should be considered a solid third or fourth option for fantasy managers heading into next year.