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New York Yankees on deadline with Gary Sanchez decision

By David Hill

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 06, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 06, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The New York Yankees have yet to determine what they will do with Gary Sanchez. The clock is ticking as they make up their minds.

What a difference a year can make. It was not too long ago when Gary Sanchez had appeared to have re-established himself as part of the New York Yankees future, his disappointing 2018 campaign just a bad memory. While he is never going to be a stellar defensive backstop, Sanchez appeared as though he would be that bat first catcher everyone had expected he would become.

Then the 2020 season happened. Sanchez had a disastrous season, posting a miserable .147/.253/.365 batting line in his 178 plate appearances. He did show some pop, hitting ten homers, but struggled in every other facet of the game. The Yankees had gone so far as to turn to Kyle Higashioka as their primary catcher in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Yankees GM Brian Cashman indicated that the catcher position would get a long look this offseason. There have been reports that Sanchez is on the trade block, and that the Yankees are considering free agent catcher Yadier Molina as a short term solution.

More Yankees. Molina should not be an option. light

While Sanchez remains a part of the Yankees roster at this point in time, the clock is ticking. Teams have to offer arbitration by December 2; otherwise, those players will also enter free agency. Presumably, the Yankees are waiting to see if they can get an offer for Sanchez that is to their liking before deciding what to do with their catcher.

But time is of the essence. While any team that acquires Sanchez would be offering him arbitration, the Yankees may be forced to come down on their asking price. If that does not happen, New York would either have to hope for another turn around to make the $5 million+ expenditure worthwhile, or cut bait without getting anything in return.

Neither of those options are particularly appealing. This forces the Yankees to find a trade partner, although they also run the risk that Sanchez will be rejuvenated in a new environment. At this point, the Yankees just do not have an option, and time is running out.

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The New York Yankees have to make a decision on Gary Sanchez. The clock is ticking.

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