(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Gary Sanchez was once one of the best offensive catchers in MLB.
He has two 30-homer seasons under his belt, in 2017 and 2019, and that’s something that many catchers can’t brag about.
His defense, however, has been heavily criticized in recent years.
He is not a particularly great framer, but his true weakness is at blocking pitches in the dirt.
His ability to get would-be basestealers has ranged from elite to mediocre over the years, too.
His own contact issues were becoming more and more problematic in the last three or four years, when his strikeout rate soared to the 28 percent range and his average started to float around .200.
The New York Yankees traded him to the Minnesota Twins last season, and he wasn’t very good there with a .659 OPS.
He hit the market after the 2022 World Series, and hadn’t found a team until Friday.
He is now a part of the San Francisco Giants organization.
“Free-agent catcher Gary Sánchez in agreement with Giants on minor-league contract, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic. Will report initially to team’s spring-training home in Scottsdale, then join a minor-league affiliate. Can opt out if not promoted to majors by May 1,” MLB insider Ken Rosenthal tweeted.
Free-agent catcher Gary Sánchez in agreement with Giants on minor-league contract, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic. Will report initially to team’s spring-training home in Scottsdale, then join a minor-league affiliate. Can opt out if not promoted to majors by May 1.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 31, 2023
The only thing that hasn’t abandoned Sanchez is his power.
He hopes that tool can give him a healthy share of MLB playing time in San Francisco and, why not, help revive his career.
He could be a good part-time catcher/designated hitter if he produces with the bat.
If he is not up by May 1, he has the ability to test the market again.
Baseball was more exciting when Sanchez was blasting home runs here and there.
Hopefully he can recover that form.
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