The New York Yankees traded catcher Gary Sanchez to the Minnesota Twins this past offseason in a package deal that included Gio Urshela. In return, the Bombers added Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Josh Donaldson, and Ben Rortvedt.
Sanchez experienced a polarizing career with the Yankees before reviving himself with the Twins this season. Over 43 games, Sanchez is hitting .229 with seven homers and 27 RBIs. His strikeout rate remains 28.3%, above his career average, and is walking at a career-low 5.8%. The Twins have been mostly content with his performance. Defensively, he’s been much better.
The Yankees, on the other hand, have deployed a platoon including José Treviño and Kyle Higashioka. Treviño has been stellar for the Bombers, hitting an impressive .282 with four homers and 15 RBIs. He’s also one of the league’s best defensive catchers, a variable that has helped the Yankees tremendously.
However, Sanchez spoke out in favor of his former teammate, Miguel Andujar, who requested a trade this past Friday after being demoted to Triple-A.
“My opinion, it’s time for them or any other team to give him an opportunity,” Sanchez told reporters through an interpreter, per the Star Tribune. “He deserves to play in the big leagues. He’s done a good job, offensively, but also defensively. He’s come a long way defensively, and he’s shown that he’s capable of staying in the big leagues. Maybe he deserves an opportunity on another team.”
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The Yankees could look to trade Andujar, but his value is in question:
Andujar has been used situationally this season, supplementing the loss of Giancarlo Stanton after he was placed on the 10-day injured list due to an ankle injury. Andujar is hitting .268 over 12 games with a 16.3% strikeout rate. Offensively, the 27-year-old veteran has proven to be productive, but he’s had his qualms defensively.
After spending several years learning how to play left field in the minors, he’s ready to make an impact with a Major League team. That is why he requested a trade after being sent back down to Scranton.
Sanchez seems to agree with Andujar, stating that he deserves to play at the top level and has done a good job offensively. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, general manager Brian Cashman could look to include Andujar in a prospective trade, granting his wish. However, given he’s about to hit arbitration this upcoming off-season, his value is minimal.