Former Blue Jays all-star pitcher returns after not pitching in the MLB since 2022

Jan 27, 2026 (1:54 PM)

Photo credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images

Aaron Sanchez is officially a Royal, and this lifeline might be the most exciting underdog story of the entire spring training slate.

The former American League ERA leader has refused to let his career die quietly.

After vanishing from the majors since 2022, Sanchez just inked a minor league deal with Kansas City that offers a genuine path back to the show.

This isn't just a depth signing; it is a reward for a winter performance that turned heads across the industry.

Pitching for Toros del Este in the Dominican, Sanchez looked like a man possessed.

You can read the full breakdown of the signing here, confirming he is ready to battle for a spot in the rotation

He posted a dazzling 1.55 ERA over 46.1 innings, earning Pitcher of the Year honors in a league where hitters don't mess around.

Sanchez (Drafted 1st Round, 2010 by Toronto) is proving that his 33-year-old arm still has plenty of electric bullets left.

Leading up to the signing, there were multiple rumors that Sanchez was getting attention from a few teams around the league.

I haven't wanted a player to succeed this badly since his magical 2016 breakout run.

That season with the Blue Jays remains the gold standard for what he can do.

He led the American League with a 3.00 ERA and looked like the future ace of Canada.

Injuries to his fingers and shoulder stole his prime, but they clearly didn't steal his competitive fire.

The Royals have a knack for fixing veteran pitchers, just look at what they recently did with Seth Lugo.

If Sanchez cracks the roster, he earns $1.35 million, but the money is secondary to the glory of the return.

He has opt-outs in April and May, putting the pressure on him to perform immediately.

Blue Jays fans will always have a soft spot for Sanchez and his nasty sinker.

Seeing him take the mound again in the big leagues would be pure poetry.

Kansas City might have just bought a winning lottery ticket.

Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider

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JANVIER 27\|299 ANSWERS Former Blue Jays all-star pitcher returns after not pitching in the MLB since 2022 Do you believe Aaron Sanchez will be in the Royals' starting rotation on Opening Day?
Yes	101	33.8 %
No	198	66.2 %
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