After their 5-3 loss to the Red Sox to open the weekend, the Yankees announced that they have optioned catcher J.C. Escarra in favor of Ali Sanchez. The Yankees have had issues getting production from the catcher’s position this season, and are searching for answers. Without Aaron Judge in their lineup, the more offensive help the Yankees can get, the better.
Escarra’s Struggles
With how bad Austin Wells has been struggling, there was the opportunity to steal playing time away from him, and Escarra could not do that. In 62 at-bats this season, Escarra has posted a .493 OPS, which is just about non-competitive. The Yankees have had a black hole at catcher all season, and Escarra did not help that. His defense behind the plate has been solid, but the Yankees need offense, and that was not provided. Aaron Boone referred to Escarra in spring training as a “top 15 catcher in baseball”, and he finds himself on a plane back to Scranton.
About Ali Sanchez
This will not be Scanchez’ first opportunity at the big league level. He played parts of seasons with the Mets, Cardinals, Marlins, Blue Jays, and Red Sox over the past five years, posting a collective .454 OPS with no home runs in 120 at-bats. This season in AAA, Sanchez has posted a .702 OPS in 128 at-bats with three home runs, two of them against right-handed pitching.
The Yankees are looking for an offensive spark at catcher. Based on his track record, Sanchez is unlikely to provide that for a prolonged period. Reports have already linked the Yankees to the Twins Ryan Jeffers for a potential trade at the deadline.
The word around the league is the catching position this season will be highly coveted, and it will cost a lot in prospect capital. If the Yankees are serious about winning a championship, they need to go all in and be aggressive about finding an everyday catcher in July.
For now, Sanchez will get a chance to steal some at-bats and make in impact for a Yankee team that desperately needs an offensive spark.
Main Image Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
