Now with the Baltimore Orioles, top talent began a rehab stint with Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday night. In the game, the 11-year MLB veteran went 2-for-3 and launched a three-run homer, helping Norfolk to a 14-10 win over the Louisville Bats, the Reds’ Triple-A team.
Sánchez has been sidelined since late April due to a wrist injury. The Orioles, currently in last place, haven’t felt his absence much — he was hitting just .100 with a .200 on-base percentage and a .100 slugging mark over 35 plate appearances before going on the injured list.
Despite earning two All-Star selections during his seven seasons with the Yankees, Sánchez is often remembered as one of the team’s more disappointing players in recent years. Questions about his defense, baserunning, and work ethic frequently relegated him to the bench, culminating in a trade to the Minnesota Twins in 2022.
The Yankees moved on quickly. Jose Trevino won a Gold Glove in 2022 and became a fan favorite, and Austin Wells has since taken over catching duties. Though still developing, Wells has made good use of Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch.
At 32, Sánchez is now considered a journeyman catcher. He could draw interest as a power bat off the bench as the trade deadline approaches. From 2021 to 2024, he averaged 17 home runs with a .711 OPS and has also occasionally filled in at first base.
Still, teams likely won’t view Sánchez as a full-time catcher anymore. While he remains a legitimate power threat, those everyday duties are likely behind him.
Over nearly 850 career games, Sánchez owns a .223 batting average with 184 home runs and a .767 OPS.
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