As Pitchers And Catchers Report, Gary Sanchez Is Still Looking For Work
As Major League Baseball’s pitchers and catchers report to spring training, one notable player remains unsigned: former New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez. Sanchez, 29, is a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger, but he has been a free agent since the Yankees declined his $8.3 million option for 2023.
Sanchez’s struggles at the plate in recent years have been well-documented. In 2022, he batted just .205 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 128 games. His strikeout rate of 33.5% was the highest in the majors among qualified hitters.
Despite his offensive struggles, Sanchez is still considered a valuable asset behind the plate. He is a strong defensive catcher with a good arm and a knack for framing pitches. However, his offensive struggles have made him a liability at the plate, and teams are hesitant to commit to a long-term contract with him.
Sanchez’s Market Value
Sanchez’s market value has plummeted in recent years. In 2022, he was projected to earn $10 million in arbitration. However, after his poor performance in 2022, he is likely to receive a much lower salary in 2023.
According to Spotrac, Sanchez’s current market value is estimated to be $4.5 million. This is a significant drop from his previous salary, and it is clear that teams are not willing to pay top dollar for his services.
Sanchez’s Options
Sanchez has several options at this point. He could sign a one-year contract with a team that is willing to give him a chance to prove himself. He could also sign a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Or, he could simply retire from baseball.
If Sanchez does not sign a contract with a major league team, he could still play in the minor leagues or in a foreign league. However, it is clear that his MLB career is at a crossroads.
Conclusion
Gary Sanchez is a talented player who is still looking for a job. His offensive struggles in recent years have hurt his market value, but he is still a valuable asset behind the plate. It remains to be seen whether Sanchez will be able to find a team that is willing to give him a chance to prove himself, but he is running out of options.
Sanchez’s situation is a reminder that even the most talented players can hit a rough patch. It is also a reminder that the MLB is a business, and teams are always looking for the best value for their money.
