Blue Jays Bet on Jesús Sánchez's Batting Revival with Strength-Focused Strategy
The Toronto Blue Jays have welcomed outfielder Jesús Sánchez with a clear mission: to unlock the full potential that once made him a top MLB prospect. Acquired in February 2026 from the Houston Astros in a trade involving Joey Loperfido, the 28-year-old Sánchez arrives in Toronto eager to prove his worth after a challenging season.
Hitting Coach Criticizes Astros' Approach, Eyes Fresh Start
Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins did not hold back in assessing Sánchez's time with the Astros. "He went over to Houston, and they had some ideas for him to change some things, and I think they didn't quite resonate with his personality and who he is as a hitter," Popkins stated. He emphasized that the Astros' strategy leaned too heavily on weakness prevention, overshadowing Sánchez's natural strengths.
"It kind of went more towards weakness prevention than his strengths, so we're shifting him back more towards, 'We want you to do what you do well.' Let's start there, then we can go elsewhere," Popkins explained. This philosophical shift is central to Toronto's plan to rejuvenate Sánchez's career.
From Prospect Promise to Statistical Decline
Once ranked No. 39 on MLB prospect lists in 2019—the same year Vladimir Guerrero Jr. topped the list—Sánchez built his reputation on explosive bat speed and hard contact. During his six seasons with the Miami Marlins, he showcased consistent power, averaging 14 home runs per season with a .304 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play) and elite exit velocities.
However, his move to Houston in 2025 led to a noticeable decline:
- Home runs dropped to just four in 48 games.
- BABIP fell sharply to .245.
- Strikeout rate increased from 20.8% to 25%.
- Average exit velocity decreased from 92.1 mph to 89 mph.
For a hitter whose game relies on loud contact, these drops were significant. The Blue Jays, however, attribute this not to a loss of talent but to a misalignment in coaching approach.
Toronto's "Rhythm" Focus and Confidence in Sánchez
Popkins and the Blue Jays have made "rhythm" a key theme this spring, encouraging Sánchez to attack early in counts and trust his natural bat path without overthinking mechanics. "We're just trying to see him have rhythm again and get his swing off," Popkins said, noting that Sánchez has had "some really good days" in recent workouts.
Toronto's confidence stems from past successes with similar adjustments. Last season, the team's emphasis on role clarity and strength-based tweaks paid off:
- George Springer thrived as a designated hitter, earning a Silver Slugger award.
- Ernie Clement carved a valuable niche against left-handed pitching, posting a .900 OPS against southpaws.
Sánchez, who flashed platoon upside and hard contact even in Miami, could follow a comparable path. If Toronto can restore his exit velocity and reduce swing-and-miss rates, his power is expected to return, particularly in targeted roles against lefties.
Looking Ahead: A Return to Form
The Blue Jays are not asking Sánchez to reinvent himself. Instead, they aim to rediscover the hitter scouts once projected to hit .300 and compare to baseball's brightest young stars. With a supportive environment and a focus on his innate abilities, Sánchez's fresh start in Toronto could mark the beginning of a significant career resurgence.
