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Is Eight Enough? Cristopher Sanchez Added to N.L. All-Star Team as Phillies set MLB Record
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Imagine a year ago someone telling you Cristopher Sanchez would be an All-Star pitcher in 2024.
It would have been unfathomable then, but now, it’s a deserving honor – albeit one that was delayed.
Sanchez was named to the All-Star team Saturday to replace Atlanta starter Chris Sale. Sanchez becomes the eighth Phillie to be named to the team, tying a Major League record for most All-Stars from one team. By joining Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez, Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman, the Phillies have set a major league record all their own for most pitchers from one team ever named to the same All-Star team.
The amazing thing is, had not J.T. Realmuto gotten hurt, he’d have been a strong candidate as well. Cases could also have been made for Kyle Schwarber and Aaron Nola, although probably not ahead of players who were already named at their position.
That’s how special this start has been for the Phillies.
Sanchez was probably deserving of the honor last week, when the teams were originally named, but likely missed the cut because of the requirement to have at least one player from every team represented.
Cristopher Sánchez is officially an All-Star!
That makes it EIGHT Phillies heading to Texas 🤩 pic.twitter.com/mhg2L1zzK5
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 13, 2024
Obviously he was the first alternate to be named to the team, to replace Sale, meaning the sport recognized how deserving he truly was to begin with.
“I’m super proud of him,” manager Rob Thomson told reporters before Saturday’s game. “Knowing where he’s come from, how far he’s come and what he’s accomplished. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. The room loves him. It was pretty special.”
Sanchez told reporters he was originally planning to fly home to the Dominican Republic to visit family for the All-Star Break. Now, instead, he and his wife will join his seven teammates in Texas.
“My heart just started beating really fast,” Sánchez said, about when he found out he was being named to the team.
It’s been an incredible few months for Sanchez. Not only has he put up All-Star-worthy numbers by going 7-4 with a 2.96 ERA, but he also signed a new contract that extends him through 2028 worth $22 million and can keep him in the Phillies rotation through 2030, if the team picks up his options.
As for what’s next for Sanchez?
Q: Now that you’ve achieved this goal, what’s your next?
Cristopher Sánchez: “World Series” pic.twitter.com/7FQ9Rk0rVD
— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) July 13, 2024
Anthony SanFilippo writes about the Phillies and Flyers for Crossing Broad and hosts a pair of related podcasts (Crossed Up and Snow the Goalie). A part of the Philadelphia sports media for a quarter century, Anthony also dabbles in acting, directing, teaching, and strategic marketing, which is why he has no time to do anything, but does it anyway. Follow him on Twitter @AntSanPhilly.