The National League East presents more challenges this coming season. The New York Mets took in superstar Juan Soto on a record-setting deal, and the Atlanta Braves will be healthier and motivated to return atop the division. The Philadelphia Phillies won 95 games on their way to their first division title in 13 years in 2024, but they will have to be even better to repeat that same success.
A main reason why the Phillies had such success during the regular season was the starting rotation. It remains one of the best in the sport, with multiple stars showing out in 2024, and now look to be even better in 2025. According to FanGraphs, the Phillies starters ranked third-best across MLB in fWAR with 16.0.
The one starter who took the biggest leap was left-hander Cristopher Sánchez. Sánchez has established himself as a reliable pitcher and will now look to hone in on the finer details for an even better 2025.
The 28-year-old is happy with his progress, but he knows adjustments are always welcome to help round out his game. The beginning of his season was strong, but the same approach wasn’t as sharp post-All-Star break.
Sánchez made the most of his 31 starts in 2024, putting up a 3.32 ERA and giving up 0.5 HR/9, but pitched to a 3.79 ERA in the second half. Adjustments may be implemented for the upcoming campaign to make him even better, and he’s working on a few new things (subscription required), according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
“You have to keep adjusting,” Sánchez said through a team interpreter, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. “I am working on a few new things. I won’t say what those are, but I’m working.”
Per Gelb, Sánchez messed around with a cutter last spring.
Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham is also a big advocate for his starters to have multiple fastballs to work with. With the addition of a cutter, Sánchez’s arsenal would be better equipped to give different looks against right-handed hitters to combat his 2024 .261 batting average against. He currently works a three-pitch approach with his sinker, changeup and slider, but a cutter could push Sánchez’s game to a new level.
Last June, Sánchez earned himself a four-year, $22.5 million extension, including two club options. The contract paid off early as he earned his first All-Star appearance and finished 10th in NL Cy Young voting. He worked his way up from the fifth starter spot and now, even with the trade for Jesús Luzardo, could safely be in the top three with Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Sánchez still has room to grow with potentially six more seasons in Philadelphia.
Sánchez has exceeded expectations in his first full year as a starter, but next year could be even better for him on the mound and even worse for opposing hitters. The Phillies have an uphill battle with the rest of the NL, but they have the players and coaches to get them where they want to be.
