FORT MYERS, Florida, USA (AP) — Dominican Gary Sanchez is ready to leave behind his time with the New York Yankees.
The catcher, a power hitter, reported to the Minnesota Twins camp on Monday morning along with his Colombian teammate Gio Urshela just over 12 hours after they were included in a three-player for two trade in which third baseman Josh Donaldson and slugger Isiah Kiner-Falefa spent at New York. The Yankees also acquired catcher Ben Rortvedt in the deal.
As it is finalized, Sanchez expressed his excitement about the new opportunity with the Twins, who opened up to negotiations, and who plan to join him with young catcher Ryan Jeffers. Minnesota negotiated veteran catcher Mitch Garver on Saturday from the Texas Rangers in a change that brought Kiner-Falefa before sending him to New York. The Twins also acquired starting pitcher Sonny Gray from the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday and possibly more moves will come.
Speaking to reporters about his own change, Sanchez, 29, diverted questions about his ups and downs with the Yankees. A powerful hitter with deficiencies in defense since making his debut in October 2015, Sanchez battled offense in the last two seasons. He only hit for .204 with a percentage of .307 on base and a slugging of .423 slugging, he had 23 home runs in 440 plate appearances in 2021.
“Since last night that chapter has been closed,” Sanchez said through a translator. “It's part of the past.”
The Twins expect Sanchez to resume his level playing on a new team.
The two-time All-Star and second place in the race for the American Rookie of the Year in 2016, Sanchez could give the Twins the power they need after negotiating Donaldson, the winner of the MVP in 2015.
Sanchez hit 105 home runs in his first three and a half seasons in the majors with an OPS of .847. Although his defensive work was never at level with his offensive power, which led to much criticism during his time in the Yankees.