BA GRADE
50
Risk: Extreme
Born: July 12, 2000. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 155. Signed: Venezuela, 2016. Signed by: German Robles.
The No. 9 prospect on the international market in 2016, Sanchez signed for $950,000, making him part of a bonus pool-busting international class that included fellow shortstops Luis Garcia and Yasel Antuna. Sanchez, a native of Venezuela, had the least impressive pro debut of the trio in 2017.
Nationals officials are high on Sanchez’s defensive upside and consider him the most natural defender of the group, thanks to exceptional lateral mobility and quick footwork despite being just an average runner. He adds soft hands and plus arm strength. He’s an extremely confident defender who has a tendency to get too flashy, but he has all the ingredients to turn into an above-average defensive shortstop with more time at the position. The Nationals’ shortstop glut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League limited him to just 127 innings at the position in 2017. He also played second and third base. He has a raw, contact-oriented offensive approach and doesn’t project for much offensive impact down the road, though he did add a significant amount of muscle this year and is currently more physical than his listed weight.
Sanchez could repeat the GCL in 2018 and play shortstop more regularly.
Year |
Club (League) |
Class |
AVG |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
|
Nationals (GCL) |
R |
.209 |
48 |
158 |
22 |
33 |
Minor League Totals |
.209 |
48 |
158 |
22 |
33 |
||
Year |
Club (League) |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
|
Nationals (GCL) |
3 |
0 |
1 |
20 |
14 |
Minor League Totals |
3 |
0 |
1 |
20 |
14 |
|
Year |
Club (League) |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
|
Nationals (GCL) |
26 |
0 |
2 |
.280 |
.247 |
Minor League Totals |
26 |
0 |
2 |
.280 |
.247 |
|