In a move that signals a shift in their catching situation, the Milwaukee Brewers have declined their $11 million mutual option on veteran backstop Gary Sánchez, making him a free agent heading into the 2025 MLB season.
Sánchez, who turns 32 in December, will receive a $4 million buyout from the Brewers on top of his $3 million salary for the 2024 campaign. The decision to let Sánchez walk comes after a season in which he hit .220 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs across 89 games for Milwaukee.
A Storied Career Takes a New Turn
Once a promising young star with the New York Yankees, Sánchez burst onto the scene in 2016, finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. He quickly established himself as one of the game’s premier power-hitting catchers, launching 53 home runs between the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
However, Sánchez’s tenure in the Bronx was not without its ups and downs. Defensive struggles and inconsistency at the plate led to the Yankees moving on from their former prodigy, trading him to the Minnesota Twins before the 2022 season.
Brief stints with the Twins, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres followed before Sánchez landed in Milwaukee for the 2024 season. While he provided some pop to the Brewers’ lineup, his overall production failed to match the lofty heights of his early career.
A Solid but Unspectacular Brewers Tenure
In his lone season with the Brew Crew, Sánchez slashed .220/.307/.392, posting an OPS+ of 91 (100 is league average). While his 11 home runs provided some thump, his overall offensive output was below expectations for a player of his pedigree.
Defensively, Sánchez was a mixed bag for Milwaukee. He threw out a respectable 28% of would-be base stealers but also allowed 10 passed balls, tied for the second-most in the National League.
Gary brought a veteran presence to our clubhouse and some big hits to our lineup, but ultimately we felt it was best for both parties to go in a different direction.
– A source close to the Brewers organization
What’s Next for Sánchez and the Brewers?
As he enters free agency, Sánchez will look to latch on with a team in need of a veteran catcher who can provide some offensive upside. While his days as an elite slugger may be behind him, Sánchez’s experience and power potential could make him an attractive option for teams seeking a short-term solution behind the dish.
For the Brewers, declining Sánchez’s option opens up some financial flexibility as they look to retool their roster for another postseason push. With young catching prospect Mario Feliciano waiting in the wings, Milwaukee may opt for a more defense-oriented backstop to pair with their promising pitching staff.
A Fascinating Free Agent to Watch
As the offseason unfolds, Gary Sánchez’s free agency will be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow. Will a team take a chance on the former All-Star, betting on a bounceback season? Or will Sánchez have to settle for a lesser role as he enters the twilight of his career?
Regardless of where he lands, there’s no denying the impact Sánchez has had on the game over the past decade. From his meteoric rise with the Yankees to his nomadic journey in recent years, the slugging catcher has always been a fascinating figure both on and off the field.
As he embarks on the next chapter of his MLB story, baseball fans will eagerly await the next twist in the tale of Gary Sánchez – a player who, at his best, can change the game with one mighty swing of the bat.
