Free Agent Veteran Pitcher Not Playing This Season

Free agent pitcher Anibal Sanchez is not going to pitch this season, according to Jon Heyman. He was offered contracts by some teams, but none reached his desired value. He was hoping for a contract that would go up in money based on the number of starts he would have.

Anibal Sanchez is now planning not to pitch this year after turning down MLB offers he didn’t see as commensurate with his value. He was looking for deals enhanced with incentives per start.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 19, 2021

Sanchez did not sign with any team this off-season because he was concerned about COVID-19 and the MLB's safety protocols with it.

Sanchez struggled mightily this past season with the Washington Nationals, too. He had a 4-5 record and a 6.62 ERA. However, he was also a key pitcher for the Nationals during their 2019 World Series Championship season, so it makes sense that teams were willing to give him a chance to redeem himself.

The 37-year-old has carved out a long career in the big-leagues. He has 350 total appearances under his belt and sports a 112-113 career record. He also has previously played for the Florida/Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves. In 2013 with the Tigers, he was the AL ERA leader.

There has been no confirmation that Sanchez is retiring, so perhaps we will see him in the MLB next season.