The Philadelphia Phillies saw left-handed starter Ranger Suarez depart for the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday as the MLB offseason rolled on, prompting the organization to redirect its attention toward strengthening the lineup, including a renewed focus on infielder Bo Bichette.
At first glance, losing a top-tier arm would seem to create a major void in the rotation. However, Philadelphia remains confident in its in-house depth after the dominant 2025 campaign turned in by Cristopher Sanchez.
Sanchez rose to the top of the pitching staff after Zack Wheeler was sidelined by season-ending surgery and Aaron Nola struggled through an injury-filled year. In his fifth season with the franchise, Sanchez brought stability to the rotation and elevated his performance to an elite level, ultimately finishing second in National League Cy Young Award voting.
While he narrowly missed earning the league’s top pitching honor, his emergence helped ease concerns surrounding Suarez’s exit and gave the Phillies confidence to address other roster needs.
Although his work on the mound made headlines last season, Sanchez’s offseason has been just as noteworthy.
On Wednesday, Sanchez and his partner, Kaimary Perez, shared emotional news on social media by announcing the official date of their wedding.
The post included a joyful caption that read, “Save Our Special Date 🤍 The countdown has begun… We are so excited to announce that on November 20, 2026, we will say ‘I do’ and begin the journey that will unite our lives forever.”
Their story has been building for years, dating back to Sanchez’s proposal in December 2024. As they prepare to exchange vows later this year, the upcoming wedding adds personal significance to an already unforgettable chapter in his life.
Sanchez Balances Personal Milestones with Phillies’ Playoff Aspirations
As his life off the field continues to flourish, Sanchez’s outstanding 2025 season cemented his status as one of baseball’s premier pitchers.
The 29-year-old left-hander made 32 starts, finishing with a 13–5 record, a 2.50 ERA and 212 strikeouts. He carried that dominance into the postseason, surrendering just three runs over 12 innings while striking out 13 batters across two playoff outings.
Despite his efforts, Philadelphia’s run ended in the divisional round, as the Phillies fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a four-game series.
With a wedding on the horizon and his role as the staff ace firmly established, Sanchez enters the 2026 season focused on leading the Phillies deeper into October and further solidifying his place among the game’s elite.