Rafael Sánchez will see action during the 2026-2027 season of Puerto Rico’s Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC) with the Cangrejeros de Santurce. His return to the organization was recently announced by the club on its social media accounts.
For the Holguín native, this will be his second consecutive season wearing the Cangrejeros uniform. In his debut during the 2025-2026 campaign, he made just two starts and did not factor into a decision. Over 5.2 innings, Sánchez did not allow a single run, finishing with a perfect 0.00 ERA. He struck out seven batters, issued two walks, and posted an excellent 0.88 WHIP.
Sánchez was interested in playing in the 2026 WBC with Cuba, however he ultimately did not suit up for the Cuban national team, choosing instead to prioritize his preparation with the Toronto Bluejays for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, 2026 also brought the news of his release by the Canadian franchise in July.
He later joined the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars of the independent Atlantic League, where he has struggled to find any level of success. In five appearances, including two starts, Sánchez has posted an 0-1 record with an 8.47 ERA across 17 innings. He has struck out 20 batters, walked nine, and recorded a 1.88 WHIP for the independent league squad.
Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico:
Orlando Martínez OF (Tomateros de Culiacán)
Albert Lara IF (Algodoneros de Guasave)
Yadir Drake IF-OF (Águilas de Mexicali)
Elían Leyva RHP (Mayos de Navojoa)
Aledmys Díaz IF (Yaquis de Ciudad Obregón)
LIDOM:
Richard Guasch RHP (Estrellas Orientales)
Roenis Elías LHP (Estrellas Orientales)
Andy Ibáñez IF (Leones del Escogido)
Andrew Pérez LHP (Tigres del Licey)*
Julio Robaina LHP (Tigres del Licey)
Vladimir Gutierrez RHP (Tigres del Licey)
Víctor Mesa Jr OF (Tigres del Licey)
Lázaro Montes OF (Gigantes del Cibao)
LVBP:
Diosbel Arias IF (Bravos de Margarita)
José Ramón Rodríguez RHP (Caribes de Anzoátegui)
Sandy Gastón RHP (Leones del Caracas)
LBPRC:
Dyan Jorge IF (Senadores de San Juan)
Yanquiel Fernández OF (Criollos de Caguas)
Nolan Arenado 3B (Leones de Ponce)*
Rafael Sánchez RHP (Cangrejeros de Santurce)
*Cuban-American