In a surprising turn of events, 28-year-old Dominican pitcher Cristopher Sánchez has agreed to a four-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies, covering the 2025-2028 seasons. The deal includes club options for 2029 and 2030, ensuring Sánchez’s potential long-term presence in Philadelphia.
Sánchez’s journey to this extension has been remarkable. Initially projected as a bullpen asset due to control issues and underdeveloped secondary pitches, he transformed into a reliable starting pitcher. His breakout 2023 season laid the foundation for an even more impressive 2024, where he posted a 2.67 ERA, positioning him among the National League’s top pitchers.
The contract is structured to provide Sánchez with financial security while offering the Phillies flexibility. He will receive a $2 million signing bonus and a base salary of $1.5 million in 2025, with escalating salaries in subsequent years. The club options for 2029 and 2030 include a $1 million buyout, with potential escalations based on Cy Young Award voting results.
Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, expressed his admiration for Sánchez’s development, stating, “As much as we like Cristopher, I wouldn’t be telling you the truth if last year at this same time when he first came up… I thought we’d be sitting here today and he would have enjoyed the success he’s had over the past year. What he’s accomplished has really been phenomenal.”
The contract is structured to provide Sánchez with financial security while offering the Phillies flexibility. He will receive a $2 million signing bonus and a base salary of $1.5 million in 2025, with escalating salaries in subsequent years. The club options for 2029 and 2030 include a $1 million buyout, with potential escalations based on Cy Young Award voting results.
This extension reflects the Phillies’ confidence in Sánchez’s abilities and their commitment to maintaining a strong pitching rotation in the coming years.
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