Why Juan Sánchez’s Surprising Rise to No. 41 Could Change Everything in the Community Prospect List

Instead, he returned to Sacramento for some more seasoning, and the red flags immediately started to wave. While he had a 3.93 ERA (very respectable for the Pacific Coast League), Sánchez struggled with control in a way we’d never seen before, issuing 28 walks in 34.1 innings. Soon, a scary explanation for the lack of control was given, as the southpaw hit the Injured List with elbow soreness. Not long after, it was announced that he needed Tommy John surgery, which ended his 2024 and his 2025 at the same time.

But now he’s healthy. While Sánchez didn’t get on the field for the 2025 season, he did end the year with a stint in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted a 2.70 ERA in seven appearances. Most importantly, Sánchez walked just four batters in 10 innings, while striking out 11.

He’s back in camp for a second time, and once again hoping to beat out the competition and earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. Whether or not that happens, odds are good that Sánchez — if he stays healthy — will see his nearly decade-long journey in professional baseball finally result in the ultimate prize sometime this year: a Major League debut.

Now let’s add to the list, and a reminder that today is nomination day. Both nominations and voting take place in the comment section, using the “rec” feature.