Phillies Lock Up Ace Cristopher Sanchez with 6-Year Extension

The deal keeps the team's opening day starter under contract through 2032.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:18pm

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The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a six-year, $107 million contract extension with left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sanchez, who was recently named the team's opening day starter. The deal runs from 2027 through 2032 and includes a club option for 2033, locking up the Phillies' ace for the foreseeable future.

Why it matters

Sanchez was the Phillies' best pitcher last season, finishing second in National League Cy Young voting and 15th in MVP voting. Keeping him under contract long-term gives the Phillies a reliable top-of-the-rotation starter to build around as they look to contend for a World Series championship.

The details

Sanchez was entering the second year of a four-year, $23.5 million contract extension before the Phillies agreed to this new long-term deal. The 26-year-old lefty went 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA and 212 strikeouts last season, also making two postseason starts with a 2.25 ERA and 13 strikeouts.

  • Sanchez was recently named the Phillies' opening day starter for the 2026 season.
  • The new six-year extension runs from 2027 through 2032, with a club option for 2033.

The players

Cristopher Sanchez

A 26-year-old left-handed pitcher who was the Phillies' best starter in 2025, finishing second in NL Cy Young voting and 15th in MVP voting.

Zach Wheeler

The Phillies' other top starting pitcher who is expected to return from injury and join the rotation in May or June of 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Locking up Cristopher Sanchez long-term was a top priority for us this offseason. He's proven himself as one of the best young pitchers in the game, and we're thrilled to have him as the anchor of our rotation for years to come.”

— Dave Dombrowski, Phillies President of Baseball Operations

What’s next

The Phillies will look to build around their new ace as they aim to contend for a World Series title in 2026 and beyond. Zach Wheeler's return from injury in the coming months will give the team a formidable one-two punch at the top of the rotation.

The takeaway

By locking up Cristopher Sanchez long-term, the Phillies have secured their ace for the foreseeable future, providing stability and star power at the top of their rotation as they look to end their World Series drought.