Jesus Sanchez is an option to bat second in Blue Jays' lineup

Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jesus Sanchez. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Why Jesus Sanchez is viable option to bat second in Blue Jays' lineup

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 5:48 PM ET

If there's something positive we can take from the Toronto Blue Jays' poor start this season, it is the acquisition of Jesus Sanchez.

He's provided consistency and high contact, which has been a great sign for the outfielder. He's currently been batting fourth or fifth in the lineup, but moving him up to second is something they should explore.

Sanchez's batting metrics have all pointed to his high contact rate. He ranks in the 99th percentile at 52.4% with his "Launch Angle Sweet Spot." As well as his xBA, which ranks in the 97th percentile at .334.

His OPS+ is also impressive at 133, signaling how he's providing boosted offensive production through a small sample size early this season.

Jesus Sanchez's 2nd double of the season.pic.twitter.com/iP3eVH9oaP
— BlueJays Muse (@TORBlueJaysMuse) April 8, 2026

Making the case for moving Jesus Sanchez up in the lineup

Sanchez's also been hitting the ball hard, boosting his average exit velocities. This has helped upsize scoring chances. So if he were to move second in the batting order, this would help increase scoring chances.

His speciality is hitting against right-handed pitchers, where he has been successful with recording solid slugging percentages. This adds to Sanchez's strong hitting profile, where having him bat second would maximize his performance.

The Blue Jays have recently had Daulton Varsho batting second, but Varsho has been cold at the plate. Shaking up the lineup is something that could help reignite the offense.

But if the Blue Jays are facing a left-handed pitcher, they can have Sanchez bat in the cleanup spot.

Overall, moving Sanchez up in the batting order would help to optimize his power and contact. He's been performing better than anticipated and is showing potential to have a breakout season.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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