No. 3: Cristopher Sánchez
Cristopher Sánchez, the 27-year-old left-hander, has been a revelation this season for the Phillies. Prior to 2024, the most innings Sanchez had pitched in a single MLB season was 99 1/3. In fact, over the previous three years, he pitched a total of 152 innings with a 4.14 ERA. In 2024 alone, he has accumulated 182 2/3 innings and has a 3.32 ERA.
Along with throwing two complete games, one being a shutout, Sánchez has 153 strikeouts, just 44 walks, and was named to his first All-Star Game. He has been as consistent as they come, and the Phillies' coaching staff has rewarded him with trust.
In his last eight starts, he has pitched 50 1/3 innings with a 2.50 ERA. More importantly, the Phillies have won seven of those games — the one they lost was a 3-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves when the offense only mustered three hits.
Sánchez ranks in the 98th percentile in chase rate, 96th percentile in ground ball rate, and 99th percentile in off-speed run value with an astronomical 17 run value with his changeup. His changeup has been especially lethal this season and has proven to be one of the best out-pitches in baseball.
Though Sánchez doesn’t have the playoff experience like some of the other starters on the pitching staff, he has clearly shown this season he deserves to be seen as a weapon for the postseason run.