New York Yankees: Gary Sanchez tweaks small detail that could improve his defense significantly

New York Yankees, Gary Sanchez
Feb 12, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) works out as pitchers and catchers report for spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are doing everything possible to put themselves in a position to win a World Series in 2020. Every position is being looked at, including catcher, where Gary Sanchez resides.

Sanchez has struggled defensively the past two seasons and his offense has seen a major decline.

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The New York Yankees need the old El Gary back

Since his 2016 season, his offensive efficiency has decreased steadily, with his last quality season being in 2017 when he posted 33 home runs and 90 RBIs. While he was in All-Star in 2019 for his first-half performance, he finished the year with a .232 batting average, 34 homers, and 77 RBIs.

While Sanchez has held up his end of the bargain by hitting plenty of homers, his defense requires more refinement. The league average in caught stealing percentage hovers around 27% the past four years, and Sanchez has been well above that up until 2019. His first two seasons he averaged about 40% but dropped all the way down to 23% last year. He also committed 15 errors and logged a .982 fielding percentage behind the plate. One bright spot — he decreased his past balls from 18 two years ago to just seven last season.

However, Sanchez has been working with new coordinator Taylor Swanson, who was with the Twins last season, on lowering his center of gravity. This includes utilizing just one knee in the dirt to help him frame pitches better and catch with more balance. In addition, it should allow him to extend the bottom of the strike zone and jump up to throw base runners out at second more efficiently.

Of course, this is easier said than done, but with Sanchez losing a bit of weight and adding more muscle, his speed should see an increase.

Experience is everything

In the Yankees’ intrasquad exhibition match on Tuesday night, Sanchez and new pitcher Gerrit Cole showed fantastic chemistry. After a rocky start in the first inning, allowing a Miguel Andujar opposite-field home run, Cole picked up the slack and retired 10/11 batters on 67 total pitches.

In live-action, the experience with Sanchez and Cole is essential for success in the regular season. Expect Sanchez to continue working on his newfound stance behind the plate, which should hopefully improve his defensive abilities.