Miami Marlins: Reacting to MLB Network's Gary Sanchez to the Marlins Suggestion

As baseball free agency properly gets underway, a recent MLB Network piece has suggested that the Miami Marlins could be an ideal fit for veteran catcher Gary Sanchez.

The Marlins' catching situation has been abysmal since superstar JT Realmuto was traded in 2019. Since that time, Miami's Opening Day starters have included fringe talents like Nick Fortes, Jacob Stallings, and Jorge Alfaro. The numbers paint a brutal pitcure of the club's historically poor catching production.

This is tragic for a Miami franchise which, for the most part, has always been built around its plus pitching. Imagine how much an above-average backstop could boost a young and talented staff.

While Gary Sanchez is far removed from his days as an All-Star with the New York Yankees, the 32-year-old still has plenty to offer a young team like Miami. The veteran still has exceptional hard-hit skills and impressive exit velocities. Despite being platooned for several seasons throughout his career, Sanchez has also never finished an MLB season with less than 10 home runs.

The double-digit home run threshold is not a high bar by modern standards. However, when you consider that Stallings hit only four homers for Miami in 2022 and only three homers 2023 and that Fortes has averaged less than six home runs per season over his four-year Marlins career, a player like Sanchez represents a tangible upgrade.

Sanchez has also long drawn praise for his ability to limit opposing baserunners. While his advanced defensive metrics took a step back in 2024 (he Caught Stealing (CS) percentage in the 56th percentile and a Pop Time in the 54th percentile), he has been stellar in both metrics in recent years.

He ranked in the 76th CS percentile and 86th in Pop time in 2023. 83rd and 79th percentiles in 2022. And 87th and 91st in 2019. For context, Fortes, who drew consistent praise for his defensive skills last season, ranked in the 82nd percentile in CS and 75th in Pop Time. If Sanchez can recapture a fraction of his longstanding abilities, he could be a helpful combination of offense and defense.

Additionally, Sanchez should be within a reasonable price range for the notoriously stingy Marlins. He operated on a 1-year/$3 million deal with the Brewers last season and has a projected market value of 1-year/$3.6 million for 2025.

A deal with Sanchez makes sense across the board. The Marlins have a longstanding hole at the catcher position. They need a veteran to help their young pitching staff. They could use a dangerous bat at the bottom of their batting order. They could desperately use a free agency splash. And they need a player in their unique budget.

Sanchez is far from a sure thing. And he is no longer a star at his position. However, the veteran still can move the needle on both offense and defense. Peter Bendix and company would be wise to reach out to his agent ASAP.