Phillies Secure Sanchez, Bet Big on Pitching

0:00It's March 23rd. You're listening to MLB News today. AI-powered baseball coverage. I'm Cory with the story. The Phillies locked in left-handed starter Christopher Sanchez with a second contract extension in just 21 months, right as they finalized. They're opening day roster. They guaranteed over $90 million in new money, keeping his salaries at $3 million in 2026, $6 million in 20. $27 million and $9 million in 2028. They also turned the previous club options into guarantees for $15 million and $16 million in 2029 and $20.30 added. $30 million each for $20.31 and $20.32 and included a $44.5 million option for $20.33 plus up to $13 million in bonuses. This deal came four days before Sanchez's first opening day start, following his breakout 2025 season with a 2.50 earned. Run average over 200 innings. Phillies president Dave Dombroski said they always plan to pick up those options

1:02and wanted to secure Sanchez now at age 29, building on. His steady rise over three years. Some folks in baseball circles raised eyebrows like former General Manager Jim Bowden, who called it a risky precedent. He worries it could pressure teams to renegotiate early for players who outperformed deals, making it tougher to hold on to rising stars without constant. Raises. Meanwhile, the Phillies doubled down on their rotation, which could be the best in baseball for years. They extended Jesus Lazardo for $135 million over five years through 2031, Aaron Nola runs through 2030 and, top prospect, Andrew Painter has plenty of service time ahead. With Sanchez secure through 2032 and most starters locked in long term, Philadelphia is betting big on pitching depth to chase titles. Well into the next decade.