Outfielder Raider Sanchez is 20 years old.
According to Cuban Baseball Expert Raider Sanchez, the Toronto Blue Jays are showing interest in 20-year-old Cuban slugger Raider Sanchez, who is currently a free agent.
Romero says that Sanchez will have a second showcase, a live batting practice, on Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. ET. He indicates that the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres have also shown interest.
Sanchez is a free agent who is eligible to sign before the conclusion of this year's international signing period, which is Dec. 15. He has represented Cuba on the international circuit, as noted by Cuban Baseball Digest. He's also generated interest from teams in Japan.
Romero notes that he has 60-65 grade power. He was a member of the Cuban U-23 team in 2025.
Why might the Blue Jays be interested?
Talent is talent, first and foremost. Anywhere where there is talent, the Blue Jays should be interested. But more specifically, this team is in need of young and affordable talent. The Blue Jays have spent a fortune on the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($500 million), Dylan Cease ($210 million) and Kazuma Okamoto ($60 million), and while they can likely keep spending, it's always nice to develop homegrown players or find cheaper options when you can.
It's unclear what Sanchez will command, but it seems unlikely that he'll approach anywhere close to the Okamoto territory.
Furthermore, while Sanchez would likely need minor league preparation and wouldn't be an option right away in 2027, the Blue Jays do need right-handed hitting outfielders in the future.
Jesus Sanchez, Brett Bateman, Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger are all left-handed hitters, and while Anthony Santander is a switch-hitter, he is mostly going to play designated hitter.
Myles Straw and George Springer are likely ticketed for free agency. Straw has an $8 million team option which will probably be declined this offseason.
About the Blue Jays and Cuba
Most recently, the Jays signed starting pitcher Yariel Rodriguez out of Cuba before the 2024 season. He represented Cuba at the World Baseball Classic in 2023 and again in 2026, but is currently in the minor league system for Toronto. He's appeared big league games in each of the last three seasons, but the Jays clearly feel they have better options in the majors currently.
Up next
At 72-73, the Blue Jays will play game two of their series with the Athletics on Tuesday night. First pitch is set for 9:40 p.m. ET. Toronto lost 6-5 on Monday on a walk-off single by Jeff McNeil. The Jays are one game behind the Cleveland Guardians in the wild card race.
