Phillies Extend Ace Cristopher Sánchez With 6-Year Deal

The NL Cy Young runner-up will remain in Philadelphia through 2032 with a club option for 2033.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:49am

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The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a new six-year contract with opening day starter Cristopher Sánchez, the team announced on Sunday. The deal, which begins in 2027 and runs through 2032 with a club option for 2033, comes after Sánchez's breakout 2025 season where he finished as the NL Cy Young Award runner-up.

Why it matters

Locking up Sánchez long-term is a major move for the Phillies, who have made the playoffs four straight seasons and are looking to maintain their contender status in the NL East. Sánchez has emerged as one of the best young pitchers in baseball, and keeping him in Philadelphia will be crucial to the team's continued success.

The details

Sánchez, 30, had been pitching under a $22.5 million, four-year contract that was through 2028. In 2025, he went 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA in 32 starts and struck out a career-high 212 batters. Overall, he's 30-21 in four full big league seasons since being acquired by the Phillies from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019.

  • Sánchez's new 6-year contract begins in 2027 and runs through 2032, with a club option for 2033.
  • Sánchez finished as the NL Cy Young Award runner-up in the 2025 season.

The players

Cristopher Sánchez

The Phillies' opening day starter and 2025 NL Cy Young Award runner-up, who has emerged as one of the best young pitchers in baseball.

Curtis Mead

The infielder who the Phillies traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019 to acquire Sánchez.

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What they’re saying

“Locking up Cristopher long-term was a top priority for us this offseason. He's proven himself as an elite starting pitcher, and we're thrilled to have him anchoring our rotation for years to come.”

— Dave Dombrowski, Phillies President of Baseball Operations

What’s next

The Phillies will look to build on their four straight playoff appearances, with Sánchez leading the way as their ace for the foreseeable future.

The takeaway

The Phillies have made a major long-term investment in Cristopher Sánchez, locking up their ace through 2032 and keeping their championship window open. This deal highlights the team's commitment to sustained success and maintaining their status as a perennial contender in the NL East.