Minnesota Twins latest to take chance on Aaron Sanchez

There is never any harm in taking a chance on a formerly well regarded pitcher. That is especially the case when that pitcher is still young despite their success coming years ago. Such is the case with the Minnesota Twins and Aaron Sanchez.

The Twins have become the latest team to take a chance on Sanchez. He has signed a minor league contract and has been assigned to Triple-A.

Minnesota Twins hoping for return to form with Aaron Sanchez

Sanchez had once been one of the top young pitchers in the American League. He was an All Star in 2016, posting a 15-2 record with a league leading 3.00 ERA. Despite a relatively low strikeout rate, his ground ball ways and excellent velocity made it likely that he would be a mainstay in the middle of their rotation.

Then injuries happened. Blister woes, a finger injury, and shoulder surgery sapped his fastball and pushed him to the fringes. While he still had flashes of success, such as throwing six no hit innings in his first start for the Astros in 2019, he was unable to replicate his previous success.

His struggles continued this year. He was able to make seven starts for the Nationals after signing a minor league contract although the results were not what anyone had hoped for. Sanchez posted a miserable 8.33 ERA and a 1.755 WHiP in his 31.1 innings. He struck out only 16 batters while issuing eight walks and allowing six homers.

Now on his fifth team since the start of 2022, there is still some hope that Sanchez can turn his career around. He is still just 29 years old and did have a measure of success with the Giants last year before injuries struck once more. Maybe the Twins can find that magic once again.

Aaron Sanchez is getting yet another chance. This time, it is the Minnesota Twins that are hoping to have caught lightning in a bottle.