Padres' Rollercoaster Season: From Sanchez's Impact to Snell's Transformation

By @VisualTejeda

September 7th, 2023

The San Diego Padres' 2023 season has been a whirlwind of ups and downs, with significant roster changes and unexpected turns in player performances. With insights from Baseball-Reference, MLB and FanGraphs, let's delve into the Friars' tumultuous journey.

Sanchez's Surprising Season Cut Short: After being waived by the New York Mets early in the season, Gary Sanchez found a new home with the Padres. Despite hitting a modest .216 average, the 30-year-old catcher produced 19 home runs and 46 RBIs in just 72 games, boasting a .792 OPS and a commendable 2.6 WAR. However, a fractured wrist, courtesy of a 98 mph fastball, has prematurely ended his impressive run.

Sanchez's presence wasn't just felt at the plate. The seasoned backstop created synergy with pitchers Blake Snell and Michael Wacha, both of whom experienced notable improvements with Sanchez behind the plate. Wacha summed up the sentiment: “We’re definitely going to miss him."

Blake Snell's Remarkable Turnaround: Snell, starting with a concerning 5.04 ERA early in the year, has emerged as the NL Cy Young leader post-Sanchez. His unique combination of leading the MLB in walks and ERA is unprecedented, showcasing an ability to bounce back and command the game in ways few others can.

Snell's evolution didn't occur overnight. The left-hander, equipped with a blazing fastball and a lethal combination of changeup and slider, underwent a mental transformation. Rather than seeing walks as setbacks, Snell, under the guidance of pitching coach Ruben Niebla, viewed them as opportunities. Since adopting this mindset, Snell has held opponents to a minuscule .185 batting average with runners on base. His MLB-leading 2.50 ERA is a testament to his newfound approach.

The Padres' Precarious Position: Entering the 2023 season with sky-high expectations and a roster brimming with talent, the Padres now find themselves at a challenging 66-75. With the loss of Sanchez and a distance of seven games from the final wild-card spot, their postseason aspirations seem bleak. However, with Snell's rejuvenated form and the team's undying spirit, the Friars' fans have reasons to remain hopeful.

In the ever-evolving world of baseball, the Padres' 2023 saga underscores the sport's unpredictability. As the season marches on, the team's resilience, epitomized by players like Sanchez and Snell, will undoubtedly define its legacy.

Special thanks to Baseball-Reference, MLB and FanGraphs for their invaluable stats and insights.