New York Yankees: 3 landing spots for Gary Sanchez
At this point, it is clear that Gary Sanchez is no longer a part of the New York Yankees‘ future. He has been benched for Kyle Higashioka, a 31 year old career backup with a grand total of 204 plate appearances and a 59 OPS+ entering this season. But with the Yankees struggling, they are riding the hot hand.
But this also sends a clear message to Sanchez. His time in New York is over. Frankly, it should have ended this offseason, as the Yankees seemingly debated whether or not be bring him back before signing him to a $6.35 million deal. That is a contract that they would seemingly want back.
Finding a landing spot for New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez
It is also clear that Sanchez needs to be out of New York. He is being criticized in the media for seemingly everything possible, including his use of an interpreter. This is a toxic situation that is only going to get worse.
While his production has dropped off, Gary Sanchez is not a free agent until after the 2022 season and could return to his former glory in a new situation. Let’s look at three landing spots for the New York Yankees catcher.
Miami Marlins
If the actual New York Yankees are not working out, why not head to a team trying to emulate them?
The Miami Marlins had thought they had their catcher of the future with Jorge Alfaro, who was acquired as part of the blockbuster trade that had sent JT Realmuto to Philadelphia. However, due to injury and ineffectiveness, Alfaro has not become the player that the Marlins hoped for. Now on the Injured List, the Marlins currently have Chad Wallach and Sandy Leon behind the dish.
Sanchez may not be as adept defensively as Leon or Wallach have been, but his offensive potential would make a move worth considering. A two time All Star, he has hit 20 or more homers in a season three times, which would give Miami the power bat they need in their lineup.
The Marlins also have the benefit of a deep minor league system. While Sanchez may be at the nadir of his value, the Yankees are not likely to give him away. Miami has the type of lottery ticket prospects in the lower minors that could work to swing a deal for the former All Star.
The Miami Marlins want to emulate the New York Yankees. Why not bring in Gary Sanchez in hopes that he can get back on track?
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves thought they had the catcher position figured out, at least through this season.
Travis d’Arnaud finally had his breakout campaign in Tampa Bay, leading to a two year deal worth $16 million. While he performed well in the first part of that contract, d’Arnaud has fallen off to his typical pace. Meanwhile, backup Alex Jackson, a former sixth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft, has a bit of pop, but has not hit at all. While his 45 major league plate appearances are a small sample size, an OPS+ of -17 is hard to ignore.
Help could be on the way. William Contreras is an intriguing prospect behind the plate, and did notch four hits in his ten major league at bats last year. However, he has just 60 games of experience above A ball, and could use some more time in the minors. Meanwhile, former backstop Tyler Flowers is in the organization in a non-playing capacity, but could be around just in case.
Instead, the Braves may want to explore an option with more upside. Gary Sanchez does have a better track record than d’Arnaud, and could possibly take over that role. A deal of disappointing backstops could be an option, with a minor prospect and some cash heading between the teams as well.
Such a trade would not impact the Braves’ long term plans for the position. Contreras would still be able to take over the role once he is ready, especially if Sanchez struggles this year. However, for a team with a lineup as loaded as the Braves, adding another potential impact bat would make them even more dangerous.
The Atlanta Braves may not appear to need much help in their lineup, but the cost may be too good to pass up. It would be worth calling the New York Yankees just to check on their asking price.
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros clearly value defense behind the plate. They keep coming back to Martin Maldonado, acquiring him twice via trade before just signing him in free agency. Houston is also reportedly discussing extending him again, locking the defensively minded backstop into their system.
However, the Astros are not blind to Maldonado’s offensive shortcomings. He had a -17 OPS+ heading into Friday’s action, with five hits in 59 plate appearances. To counter that, the Astros signed Jason Castro as the offensive side of their tandem, which has worked out well thus far.
The problem is that Castro, for his respectable power potential, has all of two seasons where he posted an above average OPS, and has done so just once since his lone All Star season in 2013. As impressive as his current start to the season may be, it is not going to last.
Enter Gary Sanchez. He not only has a better track record than Castro, but he could be a potential long term solution. Not only would he be getting away from the New York Yankees, which could rejuvenate his bat, but he would be heading to another team with winning expectations. Additionally, with Maldonado on the roster, his defensive shortcomings would not be as glaring.
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The Houston Astros could stand to upgrade their catching situation. Acquiring Gary Sanchez could be the answer.