Gerrit Cole signed a record-breaking deal with the New York Yankees this offseason that got every Yankee fan excited as can be for the new year. Besides the fans, players are hyped too. Gary Sanchez spoke about the future relationship he and Cole will develop this season and can’t wait to begin the journey.
“(I’m) super excited,” Sanchez said. “I thought we already had a pretty good pitching rotation, and Gerrit just makes it that much better.”
Sanchez has reportedly been watching a ton of film on Cole this offseason but will still need to sit down with him and figure it out. A strong relationship between a pitcher and a catcher is crucial, and that’s exactly what Cole and Sanchez will need to have if they want the most out of Cole.
“Before Spring Training, I see a lot of video,” Sanchez said. “And then once we get to camp, I’m gonna sit down and talk with him a lot throughout camp in order for him and I to have a good rapport.”
Sanchez led the Major Leagues in passed balls in both 2017 and 2018 before he figured it out behind the dish and only allowed seven passed balls last season. He’s only going to get better from here too, so the duo between Cole and Sanchez could be strong.
“Of course, I always feel like I can get better,” Sanchez said. “And I worked hard this offseason, first and foremost, to be healthy. And if I’m healthy, I think I can really help the team.”