The Washington Nationals and starter Anibal Sanchez agreed to a two-year deal worth $19 million Thursday evening. The move comes in the aftermath of workhorse Tanner Roark being traded to the Cincinnati Reds.
Last year with the Atlanta Braves, Sanchez went 7-6 with a 2.83 ERA in 136.2 innings. Washington is hoping Sanchez can continue his 2018 career renaissance and will need him to replace Roark. While Roark was able to go deeper into games, he has struggled the past two years, while Sanchez is coming off a strong 2018 campaign. The 34-year-old hasn’t pitched over 180 innings since 2013 but his K/9 has improved every year since 2014. He suffered through injuries and demotions to the minors from 2014-2017 with the Detroit Tigers.
Last season marks the first time Sanchez finished the season with an ERA under 3.00 since 2013, when he led the AL with a 2.57. He was also able to post a career-best in opponents average in .213.
He will join Patrick Corbin, who Washington singed earlier in the off-season. Sanchez is also the second former Brave the Nationals have signed this year, joining catcher Kurt Suzuki. Hopefully, Washington’s catching acquisition of Yan Gomes and being reunited with his former catcher in Suzuki will allow for him to continue where he left off in 2018.
Feature Image From MLB.com.
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