Yosber Sanchez Scouting Report

Yosber Sanchez Scouting Report

Physical Description: Yosber Sanchez is a 6’1, 170 lb, strong-bodied reliever. He is fully mature with strong legs, a fast arm, and short arm action. Yosber was originally signed as a free agent RHP out of the Dominican Republic by the Texas Rangers. He posted a 4.58 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP, with a 5.09 BB/9 and a 9.17 K/9. He was released in 2022 after his walk rate almost doubled in his 2021 season.

The Detroit Tigers signed him to a minor league contract in 2023. In 2024 between 61 IP in Single-A Lakeland and High-A West Michigan, he posted a 1.92 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP with a 4.43 BB/9 and a 12.10 K/9, significantly improving his walk rate from 2023 (5.76 BB/9) between DSL, FCL, and low-A. He’s a “stuff-over-command” guy who will either walk or strike out his opponent.

He does not get squared up, as batters only SLG .309 against him throughout his career. His arsenal consists of a plus fastball, a changeup, a curveball, a slider, and a recently added cutter. Has hand talent and can spin the ball well.

Fastball: 60

His fastball sits 96-97, and tops out at 98. A bit flat. He throws with undeniable effort, as he falls toward 1B side after release. Velo is there, but it plays a tick below average because of command.

Curve: 60

Very firm curveball. Has power behind it. Almost like a backup slider, but has 11-5 action and sits low to mid 80s. When he gets his fingers more on top of the breaking ball, it’s more of a curve.

Slider: 50

Firm slider, good feel to spin, depth, good downer action, dives at end. Sits mid 80s.

Cutter: 50

Sits low 90s, nice recent addition to his arsenal.

Changeup: 45

Changeup sits around 81 mph with sink. Would be more effective if he threw more strikes.

Command: 40

Sprays the ball a bit, but generally remains near the zone. Has feel for backdooring his breaking balls and using them to get chase, needs to tighten up his in-zone command. Likely to always post walk elevated walk totals.

Overall: Sanchez is a fun scouting story with good stuff to match. He may be able to help in a big-league bullpen with just his fastball and breaking balls, though his command will need to keep improving. Continued development of his changeup and cutter could give him the upside of a setup man.