Cristopher Sanchez thrives after Phillies' trade with Rays in 2019

Cristopher Sanchez's career has taken a turn for the better since the Philadelphia Phillies acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019. Initially struggling, Sanchez has emerged as a Cy Young contender in 2026, boasting a 1.82 ERA and 3.7 FanGraphs WAR. This turnaround highlights the Phillies' patience with Sanchez, who was once not ranked among their top prospects, while Curtis Mead, the player dealt to the Rays, did not fulfill high expectations in Tampa Bay. Sanchez's recent success, including a notable 50 2/3 scoreless inning streak, has recast the perception of the trade that seemed to favor the Rays for years. MLB observers are taking notice of his dramatic improvement.

• 11:19 AMYahoo Sports — Phillies shockingly won the Cristopher Sanchez trade