Aaron Sanchez: the Archetype
Aaron Sanchez was born to pitch, and his 2016 success was only the beginning
This time last year the Toronto Blue Jays were still debating who would fill the role of 5th starter in their rotation for the 2016 season. Finalists Aaron Sanchez and Gavin Floyd both owned near flawless spring numbers and had reasonable claims to the role. But many were anxious to give the flame throwing Sanchez a shot at starting after his previous success in a relief role. Sanchez ultimately won the spot and proceeded to not only lead the Jays rotation, but led the American League in ERA. Sanchez’s ascent to the top was slow and meticulous but he has become a prototypical ace the Jays will lean on for years to come, or at least until Scott Boras makes him a very rich man in free agency. Sanchez owns all the aspects of a workhorse that a franchise would want; the build, repertoire, and execution, yet he still has yet to reach his ceiling.
The Build:
The main justification against Sanchez slotting in the Jays’ rotation last season was his potential inability to endure an increased workload. After adding 20 lbs to his 6'4 frame, Sanchez instead embraced his higher workload, logging 203 innings and gaining velocity throughout the season. Though one of his teammates claims ‘height doesn’t measure heart’ it certainly helps Sanchez put away batters with ease. His build is that of a scout’s dream; with towering height, broad shoulders and a repeatable delivery Sanchez was seemingly born to pitch. With bi-daily workouts and a regimented diet Sanchez has shown a commitment to his frame and craft, granting him the ability to utilize his impressive tools to near perfection. The offseason work Sanchez put in before the 2016 campaign not only helped his longevity but seemingly improved his mechanics as well. The righty managed to increase his K/9 by nearly 2, while cutting his walk rate in half, which had plagued him in the past.
The Repertoire:
To accompany Sanchez’s impressive physique, he owns a near flawless pitch selection. Relying heavily on 95–97 MPH sinker, Sanchez also owns a devastating curve ball and a sneaky change up. His sinker has been lauded by the baseball community since he broke into the league, garnishing one of the highest ground ball percentages of any pitch in baseball. But his curveball and change up represent underrated aspects of his game. The similar directional movement of his change up and sinker, combined with a 7+ MPH difference, create a dynamic combination to keep batters off of his go to pitch. Alternatively, Sanchez’s curve ball has the 3rd most horizontal movement of any American League starter, maintaining the ability to be used as a strike out or ground ball pitch.
The Execution:
There are three factors that go into any of players pitches — Location, Velocity, and Movement. Sanchez has managed to master these aspects for all of his main pitches, but what is more impressive is his ability to sequence them. With the assistance of All-Star catcher Russell Martin, Sanchez’s variation has turned all of his pitches into elite weapons. Every pitch for Sanchez can induce a ground ball or strike out, constantly setting up future pitches to maximize his repertoire. Sanchez was one of the best pitchers in the league last year after getting ahead of batters, which is due to his unique combination of velocity and vertical drop, often causing ground balls as ‘best case scenarios’ for hitters. Most pitchers have a “go-to” pitch, the rest of their arsenal simply compliments their primary weapon, while Sanchez has managed to craft three superb pitches. After Jays pitching coach Pete Walker worked with Sanchez last season to “consolidate his pitch selection” he has committed to mastering three elite pitches, which in sequence form one of the best arsenals in baseball. If Sanchez manages to stay healthy and work at his craft, there is no question whose name will be at the top of AL Cy Young ballots for the foreseeable future.
