Sánchez was the starting center fielder for the Brewers by 2002, but his erratic defensive play and poor attitude in the clubhouse got him traded to the Detroit Tigers during the 2003 season.

[citation needed] In 2004, he was on pace to shatter the record for bunt hits in a season held by Brett Butler, but missed most of the second half with recurring leg injuries.

[2] He was signed to a minor-league contract by the Florida Marlins on December 8, 2006, and was expected to compete for the starting center field role in spring training.

He was released by the Marlins on March 28, 2007, after batting .163 in spring training and losing the center field job to rookie Alejandro De Aza.

Later that year, Sánchez signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights, and led the team with a .359 batting average.