Angels Rumors: Halos Reportedly Not Interested in Signing Former All-Star Catcher
In this story:
Angels fans are getting some conflicting reports regarding their team's interest in two-time All-Star catcher Gary Sanchez. While a few weeks ago, MLB Network's Jon Morosi linked Sanchez to the Angels, this week, USA Today's Bob Nightengale did just the opposite.
While Nightengale confirmed the Angels' interest in former All-Star closer Zack Britton, he said the team is not pursuing Sanchez, who remains a free agent.
"The Angels continue to have strong interest in Britton if his price tag drops, but they are not pursuing free agent catcher Gary Sanchez."
As of now, the Angels have three catchers who could realistically start on Opening Day — Max Stassi, Matt Thaiss and Logan O'Hoppe. If Opening Day were to be tomorrow, my best bet would be Stassi starts behind the plate. However, if he struggles, O'Hoppe would likely get the first crack at taking over that job.
The Angels feel a little thin at that position, as they're relying on a bounce back season from Stassi, or a breakout season from a 23-year-old catcher who jumped from Double-A to the majors last season. That's why Morosi's report about the Angels' interest in adding a catcher made sense.
Sanchez remains the best free agent catcher on the market. While he isn't exactly the two-time All-Star he once was, he still did hit 16 home runs and drive in 61 RBIs last season — and at his best, he was a 30-plus home run hitter.
Sanchez is still just 30 years old, so it's a little odd that he's yet to find a home, especially since he improved as a defender last year. Whatever the case, Sanchez will definitely have a home by Opening Day, but Angels fans will have to choose whose report they want to be believe if they want to consider him a potential target for their team.
