Jose Sanchez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #17 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: A $950,000 international signee in Washington's 2016 class that also includes Yasel Antuna and Luis Garcia, Sanchez is the best defender of the group, though he was overmatched at the plate in the Gulf Coast League in 2017 and again in the New York-Penn League this season.
  
  Scouting Report: Sanchez has plus hands up the middle to go with terrific footwork and mobility from side to side. Nevertheless, he's best described as an average runner overall. With above-average arm strength, Sanchez has all the tools necessary to handle the position and continues to improve his body strength and agility. After splitting time at shortstop, second and third in 2017, Sanchez played all but one game at shortstop this season. One of the youngest players in the New York-Penn League at just 17, Sanchez only managed a .230/.309/.282 line in 64 games, which is a slight improvement from his Rookie ball numbers a year prior.
  
  The Future: Sanchez should start 2019 back in Auburn to work on figuring out the offensive side of the game and will project as a plus defensive and utility infielder if that doesn't happen.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #23 prospect in 2018
  The No. 9 prospect on the international market in 2016, Sanchez signed for $950,000, making him part of a bonus pool-busting international class that included fellow shortstops Luis Garcia and Yasel Antuna. Sanchez, a native of Venezuela, had the least impressive pro debut of the trio in 2017. Nationals officials are high on Sanchez's defensive upside and consider him the most natural defender of the group, thanks to exceptional lateral mobility and quick footwork despite being just an average runner. He adds soft hands and plus arm strength. He's an extremely confident defender who has a tendency to get too flashy, but he has all the ingredients to turn into an above-average defensive shortstop with more time at the position. The Nationals' shortstop glut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League limited him to just 127 innings at the position in 2017. He also played second and third base. He has a raw, contact-oriented offensive approach and doesn't project for much offensive impact down the road, though he did add a significant amount of muscle this year and is currently more physical than his listed weight. Sanchez could repeat the GCL in 2018 and play shortstop more regularly.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #24 prospect in 2017
  A part of the Nationals' bonus-pool busting 2016 international signing class, Sanchez was the ninth-ranked player on the market. Washington signed him to a deal for a $950,000 bonus on his 16th birthday. Sanchez stands out most for his ability to stay at shortstop and advanced feel for the game. His hands and footwork were among the best in the international class and he has good infield actions. He is an average runner with the athleticism and arm strength necessary for shortstop. At the plate, Sanchez has a short swing and a good feel for the barrel. His approach is more geared to contact and hitting line drives, but he is expected to add power as he physically matures. Importantly, Sanchez separated himself as someone who performed at the plate in games rather than just in batting practice and workouts. He sprays the ball to all fields and is able to drive pitches on the outer third of the plate the other way, a rare skill for someone so young. Sanchez will need to get stronger as he develops, but his all-around skill set sets him up for success. He will make his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League in 2017.