Cristopher Sanchez latest Phillies pitcher to agree to extension

The Philadelphia Phillies have actively worked to lock in key pieces of their core. Pitcher Cristopher Sanchez is the latest part of the roster who will not be going anywhere in the near future.

Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that the Phillies and Sanchez have agreed to a six-year extension, which will begin in 2027. The new deal is worth $107 million and has a team option for 2033. Insider Francys Romero reported that the extension also includes more than $13 million in incentives.

This is the second extension for Sanchez, who had previously agreed to a four-year deal worth $22.5 million with team options for 2029 and 2030. His latest extension rips up those final two years and both team options, providing long-term security for a key part of the rotation.

Cristopher Sanchez deserved a new extension, but timing is curious for Phillies

Sanchez's initial extension was one of the best bargains in baseball. He had a career year in 2025, posting a 2.50 ERA and a 1.064 WHIP over his 202 innings, striking out 212 batters with 44 walks. Sanchez finished second in the 2025 NL Cy Young balloting and was third with 6.4 fWAR.

This extension ensures that the Phillies will keep a significant portion of their rotation into the next decade. Aaron Nola is signed through 2030, while Jesus Luzardo signed a five-year extension earlier in March. 

While the extension is deserved, the timing is odd for the Phillies. Even if both options were picked up, Sanchez would have received a total of $48.5 million over the next five seasons. The Phillies did not necessarily have a reason to rush into a new contract.

Nonetheless, this contract could also prove to be a bargain. If Sanchez can continue to perform at a similar level as he did in 2025, he would be worth far more than his $107 million guarantee. It is a gamble that the Phillies were willing to take, even if they lost one of the biggest bargains in the game.