Fantasy Fallout: Blue Jays' Sanchez a Potential Late-Round Steal

Here's a look at the fantasy repercussions of Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez earning a spot in the starting rotation:

Season-Long Redraft Leagues

In a bizarre proclamation Monday, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said that Sanchez would start the year in the rotation but wouldn't finish it there - he'll be sent to the bullpen later in 2016 to manage his innings workload. So what does that mean for owners in season-long leagues? Plenty.

Sanchez flashed occasional brilliance last season, but he outpitched his FIP by nearly 1 1/2 runs per game as his walk rate climbed and his K rate fell. That said, he has looked sensational in the spring and has a sparkling 2.66 ERA over 125 1/3 major-league innings - and he's just 23.

Sanchez's ADP is hovering near 300 on the FantasyPros overall list; he has been going undrafted in most 10- and 12-team mixed leagues, and has been little more than a late-round flier in AL-only formats. Target him late if you haven't drafted yet, and snag him immediately if you have.

Auction Leagues

Sanchez is the perfect LIMA Plan pitcher, a guy with tremendous upside despite his innings limit and one that won't break the bank. If you're an auction owner looking to limit the amount of money you spend on your rotation, you should target Sanchez in both mixed and AL-only formats.

Sanchez went for just $1 in both the AL-Only Tout Wars and LABR leagues, making for a great speculative play. But you shouldn't expect the same discount now that he has been named to the rotation - in fact, as a former top prospect, his reputation may drive his price north of $4 in AL-only leagues.

If you managed to land Sanchez for a buck, congratulations. He should easily return value on that salary even if he only makes 25 starts. If you haven't completed your auction yet, make Sanchez a priority once you hit the end game - but don't bid him up to the point where he's no longer a value play.

Dynasty/Keeper Leagues

This is where Sanchez stands to make the most immediate gains. Those who stuck with him in dynasty or keeper formats through an up-and-down 2015 season are no doubt rejoicing now, as he finds himself in position to become a fixture in the Toronto rotation for seasons to come.

If you nabbed him as a late-round pick last season and can keep him at a similar cost in 2016, do it. Few options at the back end of drafts have the same combination of stability and potential. There may be a few more bumps along the way, but Sanchez's skill set puts him on track to be a solid starter.

Unfortunately, if you had been targeting Sanchez in a dynasty or keeper league trade, your price just went up. Your best bet now would be to hope he gets off to a slow start, but even that may not be enough to prompt his present owner to move him.

Fantasy Notes

• Veteran pitchers Gavin Floyd and Jesse Chavez will both open the season in the bullpen. Drop them if you drafted either in hopes of a rotation spot, and ignore them if you haven't drafted yet.

• Likewise, you can go ahead and drop Drew Hutchison, who will open the season in Triple-A. But despite the bad news, he's still a stash option if you have a deep bench or a minor-league roster.