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Cristopher Sanchez is runner-up for second straight year in voting for Dominican baseball’s most prestigious award

Cristopher Sanchez can't catch a break. He's been snubbed twice in voting for the Juan Marichal Award, given annually the Dominican Republic's best MLB player.

By Ben Silver · That Balls Outta Here

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 1:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez finished second in voting for the Juan Marichal Award for a second straight year.
Junior Caminero won the 2026 award, finishing 158 points ahead of Sanchez in the voting.
Writer Ben Silver argues Sanchez was unfairly snubbed behind Caminero in 2026 and Juan Soto in 2025.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez finished as the runner-up for the Juan Marichal Award for the second consecutive year. The honor, which recognizes the best Dominican player in Major League Baseball, was awarded to Junior Caminero after he finished 158 points ahead of Sanchez in the voting. Hall of Famer Juan Marichal announced the results via livestream.

Writer Ben Silver argues that Sanchez was snubbed in the voting in back-to-back years, having lost to Juan Soto in 2025 despite generating a higher WAR. Silver contends that voters favored position players hitting home runs over Sanchez's pitching contributions.

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