New York Yankees: Why Gary Sanchez is still the team’s future catcher

After a terrible season last year, Gary Sanchez received a lot of flack from New York Yankees fans. But despite his shoddy numbers in 2018, the catcher still seems to be the starter in the near future.

Gary Sanchez sparked a ton of interest in the Bronx when he enjoyed a ridiculous home-run stretch to start his MLB career. But now New York Yankees fans question whether he is the organization’s catcher for the future.

After enjoying a fantastic All-Star season in 2017, Sanchez disappointed fans with a lowly .191 average and poor fielding numbers. His performance prompted debate on whether New York’s front office should seek another catcher.

But Sanchez will likely remain the backstop for the Yankees, being that he is one of the more-talented options in the league. He still has potential to be a star for the team as it hopes to acquire its 28th World Series title.

The 26-year-old endured his year of adversity, battling injuries and showcasing a lack of effort in several games. Yet, Sanchez’s potential makes him an intriguing figure in the upcoming campaign, and he seems poised for a rebound year.

Just one catcher boasted a better OPS in 2017 amongst backstops with more than 300 plate appearances – Kurt Suzuki. But Sanchez owned the best WAR among the group, exhibiting his value in the middle of the lineup.

Even though Sanchez lacked contact ability last season, he still blasted 18 home runs and compiled 53 RBIs in 82 games. He also improved his walk rate, racking up 46 walks in 374 plate appearances. He totaled just 40 across more than 500 plate appearances in 2017.

Sanchez also failed to match his line drive rates from 2016 and 2017 this past season. Surprisingly, he managed to hit an equal amount of grounders and fly balls, per FanGraphs. His strikeout rate slightly increased as well, as he whiffed once per every four plate appearances.

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More importantly, the issues that the New York starter faced can be fixed rather quickly.

Sanchez will enter Spring Training healthy and motivated to maintain his starting position. Also, surely manager Aaron Boone will address the backstop’s attitude and effort in games.

However, the Dominican must find a way to improve his defense immensely throughout the coming months. He cost the Yankees more runs, rather than saved them, during the past two seasons.

New York has a few catching prospect in the farm system that could be developed into a starter by 2022, such as Anthony Siegler. There is also the option for general manager Brian Cashman to acquire a more consistent player via trade.

But there are less than a handful of catchers worth trading for. And more respected catchers, such as J.T. Realmuto and Buster Posey are off the team’s radar.

Scouts, analysts and fans have all witnessed what Sanchez can do while healthy. It’s possible the catcher is already past his prime, but there is strong evidence that he can rebound and surpass his previous numbers.

The talent is there, and the Yankees know how to utilize it. All they need to do is shape Sanchez’s mentality and maintain his focus and effort to maintain his status amongst the league’s most talented catchers.