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Four Low Risk, High Reward Pitchers the Pittsburgh Pirates Should Take a Chance on

By Noah Wright

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TORONTO, ON – JULY 23: Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during a MLB game against the Cleveland Indians at Rogers Centre on July 23, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JULY 23: Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during a MLB game against the Cleveland Indians at Rogers Centre on July 23, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Swing man Aaron Sanchez

Aaron Sanchez started off his career with three straight solid seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, including an All-Star game appearance in 2016 and leading the American League in ERA that same season. Overall, he posted a strong 2.86 ERA, with a solid 3.78 FIP, and 1.155 WHIP in 317 innings.

Although he didn’t generate many strikeouts (7.1 K/9), his lowest single season ground ball ratewas 54.4% in 2016. That still ranked fifth in the Majors. However, multiple injuries have derailed a once promising career. Last season, Sanchez limped to a 5.89 ERA, 5.25 FIP, and 1.62 WHIP. He only pitched in 272.1 innings, and 55 total games.

However, Sanchez is still just 27 years old. He also struck out a career high 7.9 batters per 9 last season, and generated ground balls at a healthy 46.9% rate, which was still 4% above league average. A move to the bullpen could be in Sanchez’s future. In the pen, Sanchez wouldn’t have to pitch as many innings, preserving his arm and lessening the risk of future injury. Plus, in his career, Sanchez has a 1.67 ERA, and an opponent OPS of .412 when he does come out of the pen. In comparison, he has a 4.24 ERA, and a .735 opponent OPS when he starts games.

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