Pirates likely to sign LHP Jonathan Sanchez to minor league contract

30 year old LHP Jonathan Sanchez is on the verge of reaching a deal with the Pirates, Jon Heyman of CBSSports reports.

Sanchez went 1-9 with an 8.07 ERA in 15 starts in 2012, splitting time with Kansas City and Colorado. Sanchez really struggled with his mechanics, walking 53 batters in just 62 2/3 innings.

The lefty was once a promising pitcher and a pitcher the Pirates pursued in the past during his time with the San Francisco Giants. Sanchez career year was in 2010 with the Giants when he went 13-9 with a 3.07 ERA and had 205 strikeouts on the season. Since start of 2011 season, Sanchez has just 6 wins in 34 starts and was traded to Kansas City prior to the 2012 season in a deal that sent Melky Cabrera from KC to San Francisco.

Sanchez made $5.6 million in 2012 and is expected to sign a minor league contract with the Pirates.