New York Yankees could trade Gary Sanchez this offseason

New York Yankees, Gary Sanchez
Mar 31, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) reacts after a strikeout during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees enjoyed many fantastic performances this postseason. Some examples would be DJ LeMahieu, James Paxton, even Aaron Judge, but catcher Gary Sanchez was not one of them.

Sanchez had one of the worst playoff performances I have seen in my lifetime, and I imagine many of yours. In his fifth season, El Gary hit .232 during the regular season, the playoffs he managed .130 on 23 at-bats with one home run. His offensive spark was missing, and long balls made his regular-season statistic bearable to look at.

However, his defense was equally as shoddy, considering his 15 errors committed compared to his six in 2018. He played in only 12 games less last season, which indicates he regressed in what was a disappointing campaign, to begin with.

This begs the question:

Should the New York Yankees attempt to trade Gary Sanchez?

In short, yes. The Bombers would be better off finding a capable replacement. Sanchez’s arm cannot remain the only justification for his abysmal offense and inconsistent defense. The hopes and prayers he smashed 35 homers per year is officially a thing of the past, which leaves the Yankees with a difficult decision, nonetheless.

Theoretically, the Yankees would ask for prospects in return for the catcher. Replacing him would be the more challenging part. Yasmani Grandal will be a free agent, despite having a $16 million mutual option for 2020 ($2.25 million buyout), and he could represent a significant upgrade at the position. Hitting .246 last season with 28 homers, he’s a rich man’s, Gary Sanchez. He had eight errors at the plate over 137 games, a whopping 47 more than Sanchez, and half the errors.

Adding a player like Grandal would be costly but would make the Yankees a threat from nearly every part of the field. Time is running out for Sanchez to prove his worth, and the Yankees could be buyers this offseason if they decide his postseason performance is worthy of giving up hope.

Another essential factor to consider is his lack of health. He has spent a good chunk of time on the IL during his four-year career. His lack of hustle has also been criticized on multiple occasions.