PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks were able to find the impact left-handed batter they were seeking ahead of the trade deadline, but will it be enough to help them get to the playoffs?
Jun 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jesus Sanchez (12) hits a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the D-Backs claimed Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesus Sanchez off waivers Monday. The move will require sending one of the right-handed outfielders down to Triple-A, although the team hasn’t revealed what that move will be.
Sanchez has been posting solid numbers in Toronto, hitting .260 with eight home runs, 35 RBIs and a .734 OPS through 99 games. The outfielder has made a career of hitting for power against right-handed pitching, posting a .775 career OPS in those situations, making his addition even more significant for an Arizona lineup that has needed more balance.
Jesus Sanchez not here yet. Will very likely replace either Tommy Troy or Ryan Waldschmidt. We had talked about Arizona adding a bat off the waiver wire it just took a little longer than we anticipated but Sanchez is a left-handed bat and they need help vs RHP. https://t.co/GIUscSBCIt
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) September 14, 2026
On paper, Sanchez brings something the D-Backs have been missing. His numbers may not jump off the page, but his left-handed power could give Arizona another option in the lineup and, potentially, another way to create damage against opposing right-handers.
However, with only 11 games left in the regular season and 2.5 games out of the final National League Wild Card spot after their Monday win against the Miami Marlins, the question to be asked is whether the Diamondbacks took too long to find their power lefty — and just how much that timing will matter down the final stretch.
Aug 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Jesus Sanchez (12) hits a RBI sacrifice fly against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
It’s not as if the D-Backs didn’t actively look for a bat. On the contrary, they were able to acquire Lars Nootbaar at the deadline and recently brought Pavin Smith back up to fill the need against right-handed pitching. Those moves showed Arizona understood the holes it needed to address, but with such a righty-heavy roster, the team needed more than just two bats to change the dynamic.
That’s where Sanchez could become an intriguing addition.
His numbers are enough to suggest his power could be the difference-maker — especially if he can settle in quickly and provide meaningful at-bats over the final stretch of the season. At this point, there simply isn’t much time left for Arizona to figure things out.
Aug 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jesus Sanchez (12) in the on-deck circle during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Sanchez won’t be expected to carry the offense, but he will be expected to contribute and make an impact as the Snakes continue playing for their postseason lives.
And with every game carrying a little more weight, even a few timely hits or extra-base knocks could end up meaning far more than they would have earlier in the year.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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