On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The 2025 MLB season is almost upon us, and so is a crucial year for the Philadelphia Phillies. Fresh off an NL East title but a subsequent loss in the NLDS, the Fightins are once again hunting for Red October and an elusive third World Series Championship.
Over the next few days, we'll discuss each player who can make the Phils' active roster and their expectations. Next up is a rising star who should be part of the starting rotation for years to come.
Name: Cristopher Sánchez
Number: 61
Position: Pitcher
Throws: Left
Build: 6'1", 165 lbs.
Age: 28
Acquired: 2019-20 Offseason Trade with Tampa Bay Rays
Socials: Instagram
2024 Stats: 11-9, 3.32 ERA with 153 Ks, 44 BBs, and a .301 opponent OBP over 31 starts (181.2 IP). In June, Sanchez was named the National League pitcher of the month when he posted a 1.64 ERA in 33 innings and threw a complete-game shutout - and made his first All-Star team shortly afterward. He also started Game Two of the NLDS, pitching five innings, allowing two runs, and striking out five.
2025 Projections: Sanchez sits as the No. 2 arm in the Philadelphia rotation between staff ace Zack Wheeler and model of consistency Aaron Nola. He's just starting a four-year, $22.5 million contract extension he signed last year - one that could last up to six seasons with team options. His velocity has been up this spring, which could make his pitch arsenal even more deadly and ramp up the strikeout numbers... though Cris is just focused on getting outs any way he can.
"I don't think about that when I'm pitching," Sanchez told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki via a translator. "I don't focus on those things. I just go out and compete and get my pitches in and command the strike zone as best I can."
Highlights from Last Season:
Stay tuned through spring training for the rest of the Phillies roster.
More must-reads:
- King of New York: Pete Alonso breaks major Mets all-time record
- Yankees slugger Aaron Judge lands at No. 1 on prestigious list
- The 'American League WAR leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Brewers officially have a legit MVP candidate
On Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 11 games, and a key part of the team's momentum is a player who is in the National League MVP race. The red-hot Brewers entered Tuesday night facing one of the biggest threats to their winning streak, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Milwaukee torched Skenes for two home runs and four earned runs in 4.0 innings pitched. Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn added extra damage in the sixth inning with a three-run home run that increased Milwaukee's lead to 12-0. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Vaughn is in the NL MVP race after his home run on Tuesday night. "Andrew Vaughn suddenly in top 10 NL MVP discussion with another 3-run HR, giving him 32 RBI since joining the Brewers," Nightengale posted on X. "He is the gift that keeps on giving from the White Sox. They are about to go 24-4 since his arrival." Vaughn has helped the Brewers overrun and then take a commanding lead on the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Following their 14-0 win Tuesday night, the Brewers extended their lead to 7.5 games over the Cubs for first place. Vaughn is turning out to be a steal for the Brewers, as Milwaukee only gave up veteran pitcher Aaron Civale and cash considerations for the first baseman on June 13. While Vaughn might have a case to be in the top 10, he has much work before he becomes a legitimate contender for the NL MVP. Per FanDuel, Los Angeles Dodgers star slugger Shohei Ohtani leads the race with -20000 odds. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber is second with +1800 odds. Those two players have been more consistent this season, whereas Vaughn has come on strong since leaving Chicago.
Jordan Love's thumb surgery comes at inopportune time for Packers
The Green Bay Packers have a cause for concern with Jordan Love in the preseason. The quarterback suffered a thumb injury during the Packers' 30-10 loss to the New York Jets on Saturday. Love went 1-of-5 passing for seven yards and took a sack for -3 yards in the defeat. Both of his drives ended in punts. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Love is set to have surgery on his thumb after seeing how it held up at practice on Monday. General manager Brian Gutekunst believes Love will be ready for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. "Gutekunst sounded adamant that Love will be ready for Week 1 against the Lions," Schneidman wrote. "Hit his left hand on a helmet on that half-scramble vs. Jets. Wanted to see how it felt at practice yesterday and decided to get it fixed to avoid future issues. Will be with team in Indianapolis. "Brian Gutekunst says Jordan Love is having a procedure done on his left thumb. It’s a 'ligament thing.' Hurt it in the preseason opener. Gutekunst hopes he returns to practice next week." The injury comes at an inopportune time for the Packers. Love and the majority of his receivers have not been in sync during training camp and in the preseason game. Like last season, Packers' receivers have dropped passes during practices and did so in the preseason opener against the Jets. Green Bay needs Love on the field, gaining chemistry with his pass-catching targets, including first-round pick Matthew Golden, before it plays the Lions.
Bryson DeChambeau divulges Scottie Scheffler's biggest advantage
We all know Scottie Scheffler is the best golfer on the planet by a fairly large margin, but what makes him so much more consistent than other stars in professional golf? Bryson DeChambeau, one of Scheffler's biggest rivals in major championships, thinks he knows the answer. In Tuesday's appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," DeChambeau detailed how Scheffler dominates the PGA Tour weekly. "He's got the best spin and distance control I've ever seen," DeChambeau said. "He controls the golf ball from a spin perspective so much better than everybody else. Like, if you're 175 yards out, and it's 10 miles [an hour] into the wind, he knows how to control the flight and spin to get that ball to land right next to the hole every time. Probably since Tiger [Woods], he's the best that we've seen." The stats confirm DeChambeau's breakdown. Scheffler has ranked first on the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approach in three straight seasons. He also ranks first in proximity to the hole and greens in regulation percentage over the last four years. Iron play is Scheffler's superpower, but it wasn't always that way. "I played with him in college a bunch, and I've said it before, but he's definitely improved since college for sure," DeChambeau said with a chuckle. "It's impressive to see what he's done, and we're all aspiring to do that. That's something I've gotta get better at. I can hit it farther than him. I can hit it probably straighter than him. I can make just as many putts as him, but, really, it's about my iron play right now and wedges to get a little more consistent." Iron play is the biggest indicator of success in professional golf. If you're giving yourself more birdie chances from close range than anyone in the field, you're going to have the best chance to win by Sunday afternoon. No one is better at hitting specific distances more consistently than Scheffler. Just look at how accurate he is. DeChambeau has the best chance to catch Scheffler as the best player in the world because he's elite off the tee and on the greens, but that won't happen unless he makes a major improvement to his iron game.
Odell Beckham Jr. linked to playoff contender after retirement spoof
The Pittsburgh Steelers are linked to a wide receiver who has had a wild Tuesday of speculation on the internet. Odell Beckham Jr. took to X to post that he was not officially retiring, as had been suggested by a fake Adam Schefter account. "Not done yet… thanks for hr concerns and have a blessed day," Beckham posted before going on a rant. "No seriously. Plz stop reading everything on the internet, and stop texting me happy retirement b4 u p-ss me off. That will get no response. I promise u the day I’m done I will let u kno. Again if u text me happy retirement im just gon have to block u. Thanks." Not long after Beckham said he wasn't retiring, Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan posted that the Steelers "could be" in talks with Beckham to join Pittsburgh for the upcoming season. "Rumor: The Steelers could be working out Odell Beckham Jr now that he's been cut by Miami," Fillipponi posted. "Just a rumor. But it's out there. I honestly don't see that working." The Steelers need depth at wide receiver behind DK Metcalf for Aaron Rodgers to target in the upcoming season. Pittsburgh receivers have struggled in training camp, and no one is stepping up to earn the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the preseason. Beckham is a three-time Pro Bowl receiver who played a key role in helping the Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl LVI. The 32-year-old receiver appeared in nine games for the Miami Dolphins, recording just nine catches for 55 yards. Beckham had a solid season as a depth contributor for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 when he recorded 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns. If he were to join the Steelers, Beckham wouldn't be the player he was when he last earned a Pro Bowl appearance in 2016. Injuries have taken a toll on his body. However, he's a better option than Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
