JUST IN: Veteran Catcher Hasn’t Reported to Milwaukee Brewers’ Spring Training Yet, Confusion About Status Takes Hold
According to Todd Rosiak, a reporter covering the Milwaukee Brewers, there’s a puzzling situation developing at the team’s spring training facility involving veteran catcher Gary Sanchez. Despite reportedly agreeing to a one-year contract worth $7 million, Sanchez has yet to make an appearance, raising doubts about the status of the deal.
Rosiak shared updates from the Maryvale camp, indicating that Sanchez’s absence has left uncertainty about whether the deal will proceed as planned. The Brewers have chosen not to comment on the situation, leading to speculation that negotiations or other assessments might be underway.
A few snippets from Maryvale: Gary Sanchez is not here, and there is no expectation right now as to when/if a deal might be done. Brewers aren't commenting, so the guess is negotiations/examinations are ongoing.
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) February 14, 2024
Several scenarios could explain the current situation surrounding Gary Sanchez and the Milwaukee Brewers:
1) Sanchez may have failed a physical examination, resulting in the termination of the deal.
2) The Brewers might have discovered concerns during the examination that prompt them to renegotiate the terms, akin to the situation with James Paxton and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
3) Alternatively, the deal may simply be pending finalization for undisclosed reasons.
Sanchez, aged 31, played 72 games for the Padres in the previous season following a brief stint with the New York Mets. Despite batting for low averages in recent years, he maintained his power hitting ability, tallying 19 home runs in 2023 while batting .218.
As a seasoned veteran with nine years of experience across multiple teams including the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Mets, and Padres, Sanchez initially gained recognition as part of the “Baby Bombers” alongside Aaron Judge and Luis Severino, poised to lead the Yankees to long-term success. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 173 home runs with a career batting average of .225.
If a deal is eventually reached with the Brewers, Sanchez is likely to see significant playing time as a designated hitter, in addition to his role as a catcher.