Padres News: Former San Diego Catcher Could Follow Blake Snell In Free Agency
When the San Diego Padres brought in veteran catcher Gary Sanchez last season, they never could have expected the impact he would have on the team. Sanchez didn’t know if he would ever play in the league again after struggling the last few years, but the Padres gave him a chance, and he made the most of it.
In 72 games with the Padres, he hit .218 with 18 home runs and 46 runs batted in. The numbers don’t jump off the page, but Sanchez was solid with the team.
He gave them a veteran leader in the clubhouse, and the guys all loved his infectious energy. There is interest from both sides on a reunion for next season, but it also seems that he could follow free agent starting pitcher Blake Snell to wherever he signs.
“Is it possible for a catcher to ride the coattails of a Cy Young Award winner in free agency? We might be about to find out.”
Snell apparently loved Sanchez, and the veteran caught Snell 18 straight games before an injury ended his season. The two players seemed to build a nice connection, and it could see them reunite on some team next year.
“I’ve always heard about him offensively, but I love him,” Snell said after beating the Cubs on June 5. “He blocked, like, a 97 mph fastball in the dirt. I threw a curveball and it hit the grass and he blocked it. I mean, I don’t see the problem. Even calling the game, we had a game plan, we executed. I even put a lot of trust in him, like, what do you want? Like, you tell me … I trust him on that. He’s smart.”
Some pitchers really prefer to have “their guy” at the catcher position, and it likely won’t cost much to bring Sanchez in. If Snell were to tell a team that he wants Sanchez, most teams would listen.
The career of Sanchez has been a strange one, as he was seen early on as one of the better up-and-coming catchers in the game. But now he will settle for a back-up spot around the league. Hopefully, we see Sanchez back on a big club next season, either in San Diego or possibly alongside Snell.
