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Meet the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies: LHP Cristopher Sánchez

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 12:30 PM ET

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: