What to Expect From Jesus Sanchez Moving Forward

Jesus Sanchez  was named the Rays’ Minor League Player of the Year. So, what can fans expect from Sanchez as he moves up the ranks?

2017 was a coming out party of sorts for Rays’ Prospect Jesus Sanchez. The 20-year old Dominican outfielder showed off what scouts and fans alike had known for the past two years. Sanchez hit .305 with 15 home runs and 82 RBIs for Low-A Bowling Green in 2017 in his first year of full-season ball.

The year seemed like a breeze for Sanchez who was named the Rays’ Minor League Player of the Year. So, what can fans expect from Sanchez as he moves up the ranks?

It is frightening to consider the fact that Sanchez still has room to grow in each aspect of the game. Sanchez is considered one of the top offensive players in the Rays’ System, and for good reason.

More from Rays News

• Tampa Bay Rays give richest contract in franchise history to Wander Franco
• Rays: Just how good was Randy Arozarena’s rookie season?
• Tampa Bay Rays catcher Mike Zunino stands out despite low batting average
• Tampa Bay Rays’ playoff loss comes despite ‘playing better than they played’
• Rays’ Randy Arozarena turns back the clock with timeless memories

Unlike a lot of young players in Low-A, Sanchez struck out less than once per game in each of his first three seasons. MLB Pipeline raves about his offensive ceiling because of his “fluid swing”.

As a left-handed hitter, Sanchez also brings a high leg kick to his attack at the plate. Sanchez’s swing is what will get him more attention in the coming year. Sanchez makes a lot of contact and is showing his ability to hit for power after tying for fifth in the Midwest League in slugging percentage.

2018 will bring on High-A and potentially Double-A ball for Sanchez. His bat will play at any level because of his effortlessly fluid swing and emerging power. In the coming years, Sanchez will add more power, but with a swing like his, he will not lose his high-grade contact tool.

Sanchez Working On Being a Complete Player

Sanchez’s offensive prowess will push him into the top 50 prospects in baseball, but his completeness as a player will help him reach the big leagues. In his first full season, Sanchez had ten defensive assists and only three errors in left field.

On the base paths, Sanchez went 7/9 in base stealing attempts. As he moves up the ladder, Sanchez will show his ability to play the outfield. He is already an above-average defender and is beginning to develop as a solid base-runner. In his second full season with the Rays, Sanchez will show that he proficient in other fields outside of the batter’s box.

Next: Tampa Bay Rays: Who Do They Protect in the Rule 5 Draft

Jesus Sanchez signed for $400,000 dollars in 2015 and has already proven to the Rays that he was worth that amount. 2018 could be the year that Sanchez has a Ronald Acuna-style break out to show that he may be the top prospect in the Rays’ System and one of the best in baseball.