Is Sixto Sanchez Really the Future Miami Marlins Ace?

The Miami Marlins had a lot of talent on display through spring training.

With the remainder of spring training now cancelled, the Miami Marlins will have to make the decision on their starting five without additional game-play to help guide their decision. Before camp broke, there was one pitcher in particular who did not get a chance to show his “stuff.”

Sixto Sanchez is a six-foot, 185 lb. starting pitcher from San Cristobal, DR. Born on July 29, 1998, he’s largely expected to make his major league debut around his 22nd birthday, give or take a month. He did not make an appearance through the spring, as the Marlins were trying to “break him in slowly.”

Sanchez is ranked as the number 16 prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America, number 22 by MLB Pipeline, and number 27 by Baseball Prospectus. All three publications and many more have Sanchez also ranked first in the Miami Marlins system.

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The Marlins acquired Sanchez via trade with the Philadelphia Phillies prior to 2019 spring training. They sent All Star catcher J.T. Realmuto to the Phillies for Sanchez, catcher Jorge Alfaro, and minor league pitcher Will Stewart.

Sanchez spent most of his first season with the Miami Marlins assigned to their Double-A Southern League affiliate, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. He started 18 games and posted an 8-4 record with a solid 2.53 ERA. In 103 innings, he struck out 97 while demonstrating a solid grasp of control, walking only 19 batters. He also held the opposition to just 87 hits, including only five homers for a 0.44 HR/9 rate and a 1.029 WHIP.

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Sanchez’ 70-grade fastball leads his arsenal, and sits from 95 to 99 MPH. The high grade is really for two pitches, as he relies on a two-seam sinking fastball and a four-seamer that can touch three digits, according to MLB Pipeline.

Sanchez has pounded the strike zone ever since he entered pro ball, displaying an easy, repeatable delivery that helps diminish concerns about durability despite his smaller frame. While he hasn’t missed as many bats as his stuff suggests he should, he posted a 4.6 K/BB ratio and a 1.4 groundout/airout ratio in his first five Minor League seasons. As long as he stays healthy, he has the ingredients to become Miami’s best starter since the late Jose Fernandez. – MLB Pipeline

In addition to his fastballs, Sanchez is also reliant on a 60-grade changeup and a still-somewhat-above-average 55-grade slider. This past Saturday, he was sent to the Triple-A level in the Pacific Coast League with the Wichita Wind Surge. Expect him to start the minor league season, whenever that may be, in Kansas. Should he show what we’re expecting, we could see Sanchez in Miami as soon as late-June.