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MLB Rumors: Gary Sanchez ‘disappointed’, Red Sox prospect fast track, Tigers reeling

By Mark Powell

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Gary Sanchez #33 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Citi Field on May 19, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Players and coaches are wearing special hats, socks and protective gear in honor of Armed Services Day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Gary Sanchez #33 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Citi Field on May 19, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Players and coaches are wearing special hats, socks and protective gear in honor of Armed Services Day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 19: Gary Sanchez #33 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Citi Field on May 19, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Players and coaches are wearing special hats, socks and protective gear in honor of Armed Services Day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 19: Gary Sanchez #33 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Citi Field on May 19, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Players and coaches are wearing special hats, socks and protective gear in honor of Armed Services Day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: What happened to Gary Sanchez?

Former New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez was one of the top prospects in baseball. He’s a former All-Star. What the hell happened?

Eventually, opposing pitching caught on to Sanchez, and he suffered at the plate. Considering his hitting and power were his best qualities, that focused even more attention at his limited defensive versatility. After being released again by the New York Mets, Sanchez signed on with the Padres, where he will report to Triple-A.

“It’s been a little difficult but what’s happened has been in the past,” Sánchez said of his team changes, speaking through a translator. “Now I am looking to the future here in San Diego. I’m focused on now.”

Still, Sanchez received a great opportunity in San Diego. The Padres have issues at catcher, as Austin Nola is hitting just .131, so a platoon partner could be in order to help increase the offensive production at the position. Sanchez, at the very least, can provide some help and not be a total disaster defensively.

“You come to a point in time in a season where you try to incrementally upgrade,” Padres manager Bob Melvin said. “I know he’s been through a few teams here recently but does have a history of performing.”

Sanchez, in A.J. Preller’s eyes, is an upgrade for now. Eventually San Diego will likely look elsewhere for an everyday replacement at catcher, perhaps at the deadline. But Sanchez should get his chance before then.

Next. MLB Rumors: Grading trade fits for Tim Anderson, Cubs and Braves. dark

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