The New York Yankees had until 8 pm tonight to tender catcher Gary Sanchez an offer, and they have just told Sanchez he will be tendered a contract according to Bob Nightengale MLB insider and columnist for USA Today. Gary Sanchez will be a Yankee during 2021. Of course, it is still up in the air as to if he will be the starting catcher. Much of that may have to do with how he does playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic and if the Yankees make any other moves to bolster their catching for next season.
Sanchez is coming off a horrible season when he only hit .147 and continued to fail to block balls at home plate. He did hit 10 home runs during the season, but other than that, he failed badly and was eventually hitting ninth or sitting out games.
There is no question that the Yankees lost faith in Sanchez as the past season progressed in favor of Kyle Higashioka. That being true, the Yankees still believe in the talent that Sanchez processes. On the hot stove, manager Aaron Boone all but said that Sanchez would remain in pinstripes as he sang his praises and belief that the crazy 60 game coronavirus season was a blip in his performance. They continue to believe they can again unlock that talent.
There is no question that Sanchez is trying to improve, as demonstrated by him playing in the winter league in the Dominican Republic. If they do indeed tender him, it is this writer’s opinion that it will be a mistake. In four years, they haven’t been able to improve his defense. The guy just can’t hit for contact. In contrast, most players have trouble with offspeed stuff and usually make contact with fastballs. Many of Sanchez’s strikeouts come off of pitcher’s fastballs. Nevertheless, the Yankees did tender him.
I like Gary Sanchez; I just feel he can’t get the job done. I hope he and the Yankees can change my opinion of him this coming season. To stay abreast of the latest New York Yankee news, stay with EmpireSportsMedia.com