May 24, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez (41) pitches in the second inning against Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Sanchez vs The Big Fish
This is where the comparison may be unfair. Given his age and experience, it would be unrealistic to think that Aaron Sanchez could be involved in a fair comparison with the Big Fish. After all, he’s 23. 2015 is his first year as a starter. The Big Fish have been pitching for much longer. But, let’s do it anyway.
Sanchez’ stuff may be out of this world. He may develop into a great starter. Who knows, one day we may be talking about him as being one of those Big Fish. But, right now, he doesn’t represent the comfort level that comes with a potential #1 starter.
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He’s been worth -0.1 WAR in his first season starting. He doesn’t add much probability of winning at 0.13. He’s been pretty much a replacement level pitcher thus far. His BB% of 13.2% sits just below his K% of 15.0%. Right now, he’s not fooling many batters. Hitters are hitting .240 off him with a very close BABIP of just .260. There needs to be much more separation between both of these stats. Now, that will undoubtedly change as he progresses and grows throughout his career. But, the Blue Jays are trying to win right now.
The list of Big Fish offer a much better chance of winning right now. Sanchez has youth on his side, while the list of potential trade targets have experience. And, as is the case with Cole Hamels, for example, that experience includes winning. Hamels has a World Series ring. He was also named the 2008 World Series MVP. That screams dependability. When the game is on the line, you want something like that.
Aaron Sanchez could very well grow into that kind of pitcher. But, the Blue Jays are trying to upgrade for right now.
Next: The Verdict