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TORONTO, October 9, 2016 – Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez, 33, is generating notable interest from multiple Major League Baseball teams this offseason, signaling a potential return to the majors after sitting out the 2023 season.
Sanchez’s Strong Winter League Performance Fuels Comeback Bid
The former All-Star is attracting attention after a dominant showing in the Dominican Winter League, culminating in a Pitcher of the Year award.
- Sanchez was drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round of the 2010 MLB draft.
- He enjoyed a breakout season in 2016, earning an All-Star selection with a 15-2 record and a 3.00 ERA.
- After being traded to the Houston Astros in 2019, Sanchez bounced around several organizations before re-signing with Toronto in 2024.
- His recent success in the Dominican Winter League has reignited interest from MLB clubs.
Sanchez’s agent, chris Leible of Smooth Baseball, stated, “We are considering our options,” according to MLB insider Francys Romero on X, formerly Twitter. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic corroborated the report, noting that sanchez’s winter ball performance, capped by the league’s Pitcher of the Year Award, is driving the renewed interest.
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 9: Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks off of the field in the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers during game three of the American League Division Series at Rogers Center on October 9, 2016 in Toronto, Canada.(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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Early Promise and Subsequent Challenges
Sanchez was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round of the 2010 draft. He debuted in the majors in 2014, quickly establishing himself as a promising young arm. His 2016 season was a standout, as he went 15-2 with a stellar 3.00 ERA, earning him an All-star nod.However, that season proved to be the peak of his career.
The Blue Jays traded Sanchez to the houston Astros in 2019. He afterward pitched for the San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins before finding himself without a major league chance.He signed a minor-league deal with the Blue jays in 2024 but was released prior to the season.
If Sanchez’s recent performance is any indication,teams believe he could recapture his earlier form. Effective pitching remains a premium commodity in baseball, and a revitalized Sanchez could be a valuable asset for any club, including the Blue Jays.
