Gary Sánchez has signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Sánchez will report to the Giants Spring Training facilities in Scottsdale, Arizona. The deal is pending a physical but Sanchez can opt out if he’s not in the majors by May 1.
Free-agent catcher Gary Sánchez in agreement with Giants on minor-league contract, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic. Will report initially to team’s spring-training home in Scottsdale, then join a minor-league affiliate. Can opt out if not promoted to majors by May 1.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 31, 2023
Gary Sánchez to the Giants
Sánchez was seen as a top prospect in the New York Yankees farm system. The moment he made his MLB debut, he came one of the best young catchers in the game. Sánchez hit 20 home runs as he hit .299/.376/.657 in 53 games as a rookie. Then over the next three seasons, he averaged 30 home runs while earning two All-Star selections.
However, the long-term effects of his shoulder surgery in 2018 got the better of Sánchez. He’s already showing signs of below-average defense as a catcher. Although, it may have decreased some of his power at the plate too. His numbers say so, hitting .195/.287/.394 with 20 home runs per season.
Last season, he was traded from the Yankees to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Gio Urshela, Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt. The 30-year-old hit .205/.282/.377 with 16 home runs, 61 RBI with an 89 OPS+ in 128 games for Minnesota. It was the third consecutive season where the backstop had an OPS+ below 100, which is the league average. Furthermore, his Defensive Runs Saved went from a brutal -10 in 2021 to +1 in 2022.
With Sánchez at the facilities to work on his game, San Francisco currently have Joey Bart and Robert Perez taking care of catching duties. Blake Sabol is the third catcher/utility man.
Players mentioned:
Gary Sánchez, Gio Urshela, Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Ben Rortvedt, Joey Bart, Robert Perez, Blake Sabol
