Milwaukee, WI – The Milwaukee Brewers have made a major move to bolster their roster, agreeing to a one-year, $7 million deal with free agent catcher Gary Sánchez, a source familiar with the deal revealed on Wednesday night.
As the team works to confirm the agreement, it’s clear that the addition of Sánchez will provide valuable veteran depth behind the plate. With reigning Silver Slugger Award winner William Contreras already on the roster, the Brewers now have a formidable 1-2 punch at catcher, and the potential for either player to see time at designated hitter as well.
Sánchez’s journey to the Brewers has been a tumultuous one, including stints with the Giants, Mets, and Padres in the 2023 season. Despite some ups and downs, Sánchez ended the season with a strong performance, hitting 19 homers with a .792 OPS in 72 games before a right wrist fracture cut his season short in early September.
A two-time All-Star with the Yankees, Sánchez has shown flashes of brilliance at the plate, averaging 26 homers and a .847 OPS from 2016-2019. While his offensive production dipped in 2020-2022, Sánchez’s defensive skills improved over the past season, with positive metrics in catcher framing and throwing runs along with a career-best pop time.
The Brewers will undoubtedly benefit from Sánchez’s experience and offensive potential as they look to solidify their lineup for the upcoming season. With the mutual option included in the agreement, Sánchez has the opportunity to make a significant impact in Milwaukee and help lead the team to success in the 2024 season.