Former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star to pitch in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez is set to pitch in the 2026 WBC.
When Aaron Sanchez announced he was making a comeback last July, nobody expected the 2026 WBC would be part of the road back.
According to Canadian Baseball Network's Bob Elliott, former Blue Jay Aaron Sanchez will pitch for Mexico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Aaron Sanchez will pitch for Team Mexico in the 2026 WBC
"Ex-Blue Jays RHP Aaron Sanchez, who was named Pitcher of the Year with Toros del Este in the Dominican Republic (1.55 ERA in eight starts, 46.1 IP), will pitch for Mexico in the WBC come March Blue Jays"
Sanchez had a lot of promise early in his career, however injuries plagued the former All-Star throughout his MLB tenure
The Blue Jays selected Sanchez 34th overall in the 2010 draft, as he made his big league debut in 2014.
Over 33 innings that season, Sanchez had a 1.09 ERA and 2.80 FIP, appearing out of the bullpen for all 24 games.
Most of his 2015 season was out of the bullpen as well, as Sanchez started 11 of the 41 games he appeared in.
Overall, he had a 3.22 ERA and 4.61 FIP in 92.1 innings pitched. By far his best season was in 2016, as his 3 ERA in 192 innings pitched led all major league starters, as he finished seventh in Cy Young voting
Unfortunately, Sanchez dealt with blister and finger issues in 2017, throwing just 36 innings.
Had he stayed healthy, the 2017 Blue Jays could've potentially made the postseason, as they were just three games back of a wild card spot in mid-August.
He didn't regain his 2016 form upon his return in 2018, posting a 4.89 ERA and 5.25 FIP in 131.1 innings pitched.
The Blue Jays later traded Sanchez, Joe Biagini, and then-prospect Cal Stevenson to the Houston Astros for Derek Fisher.
2026 World Baseball Classic a chance for Sanchez to showcase his talents to earn a possible minor league deal
Sanchez last pitched in LIDOM this winter for the Toros del Este in the Dominican Republic.
Someone who could draw attention this offseason: Aaron Sanchez (33). The 2016 Blue Jays All-Star has been electric in LIDOM this winter with the Toros del Este. 3-0, 4GS, 0.78ERA, 23IP, 2ER, 3BB, 22K Could he benefit someone's rotation?👀
Sanchez's most recent action in affiliate baseball was with the Blue Jays in 2024, where he had a 7.92 ERA with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
He didn't pitch until late 2025 after being cut, but upon his return, he showed the promise he once had.
Former All Star pitcher Aaron Sanchez, with a new sports agency (Smooth Baseball), is making a comeback after last pitching in the big leagues in 2022. He pitched last season for Triple-A Buffalo.
The 33-year-old hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2022, and is currently a free agent.
That said, if he pitches well with Mexico, it's not hard to envision him earning another look on a minor league deal.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 11 | 93 ANSWERS Former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star to pitch in 2026 World Baseball Classic Do you think former Blue Jay Aaron Sanchez will pitch well for Mexico in the 2026 WBC? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 50.5 % |
| No | 32 | 34.4 % |
| He will get lit up | 14 | 15.1 % |
| List of polls | ||