Phillies Ace LHP Cristopher Sanchez Signs 6-Year Deal

The left-handed pitcher inks a long-term contract with the Philadelphia baseball club.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:25pm

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The Philadelphia Phillies have signed their star left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sanchez to a 6-year contract extension, the team announced on Sunday. Sanchez has been a key part of the Phillies' starting rotation since making his MLB debut in 2023.

Why it matters

Retaining Sanchez on a long-term deal is a major win for the Phillies, who have struggled to keep top pitching talent in recent years. The 27-year-old has emerged as one of the best left-handed starters in baseball and his new contract will keep him in Philadelphia through the 2032 season.

The details

The contract is worth a reported $120 million, making Sanchez one of the highest-paid left-handed pitchers in the league. He was previously set to become a free agent after the 2027 season, but the new deal buys out his remaining arbitration years and several years of free agency.

  • Sanchez agreed to the 6-year contract on March 22, 2026.

The players

Cristopher Sanchez

A 27-year-old left-handed starting pitcher who has been a key part of the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation since his MLB debut in 2023.

Philadelphia Phillies

The professional baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that competes in Major League Baseball's National League East division.

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What they’re saying

“Cristopher has proven himself to be one of the top left-handed pitchers in the game, and we're thrilled to have him as part of the Phillies' long-term future.”

— Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations, Philadelphia Phillies

What’s next

The Phillies will hold a press conference on Wednesday to formally introduce Sanchez and discuss the details of his new contract.

The takeaway

Locking up a top-tier starting pitcher like Cristopher Sanchez to a long-term deal is a major coup for the Phillies, who are hoping this move will help them contend for a World Series championship in the coming years.