Cristopher Sanchez has notably bulked up over the last few months and it showed on the radar gun Tuesday.

Sanchez had a breakout year in 2024, tallying a 3.4 WAR across 31 starts with a 3.32 ERA and 153 Ks, earning himself his first All-Star selection.

Sanchez’s fastball, that’s technically his “sinker,” sat around 94.5 mph in 2024, and 92.1 mph back in 2023. It was a notable jump from 23-24, up nearly 3 mph as Sanchez continued to progress in his young career. The lefty made his first start of Spring Training this week and was reportedly sitting around 97-98 mph with his sinker:

It’s been pointed out multiple times this spring by multiple reporters down in Clearwater, and it’s pretty obvious through pictures and videos, but Sanchez got notably stronger over the last 3-4 months. Sanchez was posting workout videos in the offseason and I really started to notice it there. Tim Kelly of On Pattison has posted a few pictures from Clearwater of Sanchez on the mound. Sanchez is heading into 2025 in the best shape of his career. This is a picture of Sanchez from Tuesday’s start vs. Tampa Bay, via the Phillies Instagram:

 

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The Phillies have arguably the best rotation in baseball, and another leap for Sanchez after an incredible 2024 would make this rotation even better. It was pretty obvious that the ball was flying out of his hand. Is it because he knew he’d only go a few innings? Maybe. I’d be surprised if he sits 98 all season. But this video shows a notable jump in Sanchez’s velocity.