The New York Yankees have solidified nearly every position on the field, but the catcher spot has been troublesome due to consistent injuries to Gary Sanchez.
A groin ailment has plagued Sanchez for the past few seasons, and it struck once again in 2019 as he attempted to slide into second base. The injury hampered his production during the postseason, but he still managed to battle it out, despite posting abysmal numbers.
The most important thing for Sanchez is to remain healthy, as consistency continues to be the epitome of his demise. Regular at-bats and starts allow him to gain confidence and establish his eye for the ball, a factor that has fluctuated due to separate stints on the injured list.
However, hiring Eric Cressey, a well-known strength and condition coach should help alleviate soft-tissue concerns for players like Sanchez and Giancarlo Stanton. Aside from hiring Cressey, Sanchez is looking lean and ready to roll into spring training.
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While injuries have derailed El Gary at times, he posted substantial numbers in 2019 (.841 OPS, 34 home runs). These numbers are adequate, but his potential currently lands at (.923 OPS – career-high).
The Yankees’ batting order needs consistency in 2020, and Sanchez slotting in at No. 5-6 in the order would give them another slugger to work off of. With Aaron Judge, Stanton, Luke Voit, Sanchez, and even Gleyber Torres all featuring close together, it’s fair to assume the Bombers might set a few records next season.
Are the New York Yankees in over their heads?
Pinstripe Alley details an interesting point regarding Sanchez’s arbitration pay-day:
What’s a first year arbitration-eligible catcher worth? One who has posted 11.4 fWAR in his first four seasons, despite never appearing in more than 122 games in a season? If you’re the Yankees, you apparently believe he’s worth the second-highest contract ever given to a catcher in his first round of arbitration. Over the weekend the club and Gary Sanchez agreed on a $5 million dollar deal, avoiding the maligned arbitration process entirely.
The most pressing concern isn’t specifically related to Sanchez but rather his backups. With Kyle Higashioka set to be Gary’s reserve option, the Yankees are taking a big risk at the position, and it could end up stabbing them in the back if they’re not careful.