Fansided

5 Yankees with the most to prove in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 06, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 06, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees throws out the runner against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 06, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

1. Gary Sanchez

Whereas Torres struggled at the plate and in the field last season, Sanchez was a disaster in both aspects of his game. He was one of the worst hitters in MLB regardless of position and his defense at the catcher position continued to be well below average.

Sanchez’s play was so bad that he was benched in favor of Kyle Higashiola during the playoffs. That’s inexcusable for a player with the natural talent to be one of the best offensive catchers in baseball.

This season represents Sanchez’s last chance to secure a long-term future with the Yankees. The franchise considered letting him go for nothing in free agency before deciding to tender him one last contract. If Sanchez doesn’t improve with his glove and bat in 2021 then he’ll be unceremoniously dumped at the conclusion of the 2021 campaign.

The real question is how much improvement does Sanchez need to show to earn a new contract. His defense is never going to be good, but the Yankees need to see a sharp improvement in terms of his focus and effort. Improvement in both areas would allow Sanchez to cut his error total significantly.

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On offense, Sanchez simply must find a way to produce more contact at the plate. He needs to find a way to boost his average while maintaining the power that makes him such a dangerous hitter for opposing pitchers. He cannot afford to suffer through another season with a putrid batting average of .147. Something approaching .250 with 20+ home runs should be the minimum expectation for Sanchez this season.

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