Gary Sanchez Finds A New MLB Home

One of the last notable free agents left standing, Gary Sanchez has had a tough time finding a taker this offseason. A poor showing at the World Baseball Classic didn't help his cause. But he will be getting a shot with a new team, as the San Francisco Giants have signed him to a minor league deal. 

Gary Sanchez is headed to the Giants on a minor league deal pic.twitter.com/wb5FLvCYin

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 31, 2023

If he gets promoted to the majors, the contract is worth $4M.  

Hey, the Giants gave it everything they've got to try and sign four-time All-Star Aaron Judge away from the New York Yankees this past season. They fell short in their pursuit, so perhaps Sanchez, a former Yankee All-Star, is their fallback?

He'll report initially to the Giants' spring-training home in Scottsdale, Arizona, then from there will join their Triple-A affiliate. His contract includes an opt-out if he is not promoted to the majors by May 1st.

Sanchez rocketed onto the scene with the Bronx Bombers in 2016, cranking 20 homers in just 53 games while batting .299. He followed that up with his first All-Star season in 2017, launching 33 bombs with 90 RBIs and a .278 average. 

He had one more All-Star season in 2019, but his ability to hit has faltered badly, to the point where he struggled to stay above the Mendoza line the past two years. 

Sanchez spent 2022 with the Minnesota Twins, where he hit .205 with 16 homers and a .659 OPS. He did show some signs of life, however, as he had an .880 OPS with runners in scoring position, the best on the Twins.

At the WBC with the Dominican Republic, he went hitless in five at-bats.

Sanchez will now have a few weeks at AAA to prove he belongs in San Francisco, otherwise he could opt-out to try to find another opportunity.

Photo: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports