BP Top Prospects: Blue Jays

1. RHP Aaron Sanchez
2. LHP Daniel Norris
3. CF Dalton Pompey
4. RHP Jeff Hoffman
5. C Max Pentecost
6. LHP Jairo Labourt
7. RHP Miguel Castro
8. RHP Roberto Osuna
9. RHP Sean Reid-Foley
10. RHP Alberto Tirado

1. Aaron Sanchez

Position: RHP
DOB: 07/01/1992
Height/Weight: 6’4” 190 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2010 draft, Barstow HS (Barstow, CA)
Previous Ranking: #2 (Org), #31 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: 1.09 ERA (33 IP, 14 H, 27 K, 9 BB) at major-league level, 4.19 (34.1 IP, 36 H, 27 K, 17 BB) at Triple-A Buffalo, 3.82 ERA (66 IP, 52 H, 57 K, 40 BB) at Double-A New Hampshire
The Tools: 7 FB; 6+ CB; 5+ potential CH

What Happened in 2014: Things were uneven for the former first rounder in the minors when starting, but after a conversion to the bullpen the top-notch stuff really played up to carry the right-hander to a dominant stint with the big club.

Strengths: Easy, efficient delivery; athletic on the bump; extremely loose arm; ball jumps out of hand; fastball comfortably sits 93-96; able to reach for more in short stints (98-99); displays hard arm-side movement and some sink; very difficult to square up in lower tier; creates excellent snap with curve via loose wrist; power two-plane break; can manipulate shape depending on situation; commands well for strikes; flashes ability to turn over change; late fading action.

Weaknesses: Delivery gets stiff and upright; has trouble staying above the ball; fastball command inconsistent as a result; has trouble consistently spotting in all four quadrants of the zone; heater flattens out above the thighs; occasionally wraps wrist and rolls curve arm side; change on the firm side (88-90); will blend with fastball and lack quality action; doesn’t command well.

Overall Future Potential: High 6; no. 2/3 starter

Realistic Role: 6; no. 3 starter 

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low risk; achieved major leagues; command consistency over the long haul.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The 2014 season went a long way towards showing that Sanchez will have fantasy value, whether he makes it as a starter or not. But despite his impressive showing, the rotation remains his best bet for fantasy value going forward, especially given his strikeout ability. As a starter, he’s a potential SP2 with WHIP risk, but not as much as you’d think given his walk rate—as he has the arsenal to sustain a lower hit rate than you’d be comfortable projecting. He’s a great sleeper for 2015 redraft leagues, along with being a strong dynasty asset.

The Year Ahead: Sanchez is one of the loosest arms you’ll see on the mound, with a fastball that absolutely explodes out of his hand and the type of tightly rotating curveball that can miss the best of bats. The heater not only consistently operates in the mid-90s as a starter, but is enhanced by hard arm-side run that makes it difficult for hitters to gauge and often leaves them in protection mode. The crispness of the curve gives the 22-year-old right-hander a legit power offering to attack batters with at any point in the count. When he’s working his change into sequences with feel and confidence, the arm can consistently roll right through opposing lineups. Sanchez’s struggles with his fastball command have been well documented around here, with the theme from this past season a Jekyll and Hyde-like story for those who watched him closely. The conversion to the bullpen, and subsequent success in the role, point to some developmental steps forward, but also lent a look at how things could play up on the other side of the fence for the young pitcher and allow thoughts to percolate as to whether relief is the best ultimate option. The roles reflect the belief there’s still plenty of time for growth and the fact the developmental arc is an on-going process at the highest level. This season should offer Sanchez the chance to prove he’s closing the gaps and can solidify a spot in Toronto’s rotation for seasons to come.

Major league ETA: Reached majors in 2014