What to expect from Jesús Sánchez in bigs

August 21st, 2020

The Marlins have started seven different right fielders through 18 games and they've combined for the worst production at that position (.167/.254/.167) in the Majors. They're still holding onto a playoff spot, however, and have some help on the way.

Top 100 Prospects Sixto Sanchez (ranked No. 24, a right-hander) and Jesús Sanchez (No. 88, a right fielder) joined the team flight to Washington, D.C., Thursday night. The Sanchezes, who aren't related, are expected to make their big league debuts as the Marlins play the Nationals five times today through Monday.

Jesús Sanchez originally signed with the Rays for $400,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2014 and broke into pro ball the following year by hitting a robust .335/.382/.498 in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. He continued to rake as he rose through Tampa Bay's system, winning team MVP awards in each of his first four pro seasons and starting in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game in 2018.

While playing through a sports hernia that required offseason surgery, Sanchez posted the worst numbers (.260/.325/.398) of his career in 2019, though he did reach Triple-A at age 21. The Marlins acquired him in a July trade that also brought Ryne Stanek to Miami in exchange for Nick Anderson and Trevor Richards.

Now 22, Sanchez is a better pure hitter than any of the outfielders on the Marlins' big league roster and if he produces like he's capable, he could claim regular at-bats. He'll start and bat eighth tonight against the Nationals. 

Here's a breakdown of his tools on the 20-80 scouting scale, where 50 represents big league average ability:

Hit (55): Though Sanchez is a natural right-hander, he bats left-handed because when he was learning the game, his older brother Nerva wanted him to emulate countryman David Ortiz. He has a smooth left-handed swing with tremendous bat speed, which has enabled him to make consistent hard contact while batting .296 in five Minor League seasons. He uses the entire field and handles lefties and righties equally well. He has fanned in 18 percent of his plate appearances but walked in just 6 percent, though he has shown more patience in Double-A and Triple-A.

Power (55): Sanchez never has slugged more than 15 homers in a pro season but has the bat speed, strength and leverage in his 6-foot-3, 222-pound frame to deliver 25 on an annual basis if he makes some adjustments. He has improved his selectivity at the upper levels and is starting to drive the ball in the air more regularly, though he still hits too many balls on the ground to make the most of his power potential.

Run (50): Sanchez possesses average speed but isn't much of a threat on the bases. He has 29 steals in 45 attempts (64 percent success rate) over 464 pro games.

Arm (55): Sanchez's arm earns solid-to-plus grades from evaluators and comfortably fits the right-field profile. He has registered 39 assists in 421 games in the outfield, including 10 in 103 contests last year.

Field (55): Though Sanchez played primarily center field in his first two pro seasons and saw some action there after the trade last summer, he's more of a fill-in at that position and fits better on the corners. He has the quickness and instincts to be a solid defender on either corner. It remains to be seen whether he'll shift to left field when 2019 No. 4 overall pick J.J. Bleday is ready for the Majors.