Ten things for Phillies fans to look forward to in 2018
By John Town
Sixto Sanchez moving up the minor-league ladder
The new pitching prospect to watch in the Phillies’ farm system is Sixto Sanchez. The 19-year-old has dazzled scouts with a fastball that hits 100 miles per hour and two strong secondary offerings in his curveball and changeup. What’s more is that he does it all with strong control, allowing few walks to opposing hitters.
Sanchez started off 2017 in strong fashion, posting a 2.41 ERA with a 7.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in Low-A Lakewood. He reached High-A in August just after turning 19. His command faltered in his last two starts, causing him to issue far more walks than usual.
Sanchez made his way onto many midseason top 100 prospect lists and should rise up in the next edition of lists. He could be in Double-A before he turns 20 and be on the fast track to a major-league debut in 2019. Sanchez is one of the most exciting prospects in the system and watching him progress in 2018 should be fun.