As the Winter Meetings kick off, trade talks surrounding San Diego Padres slugger Juan Soto have created one of the biggest buzzes. But as the Padres sort out their Soto trade, San Diego hasn't forgotten about the remainder of the roster.
The Padres are engaging in contract discussions with free agent catcher Gary Sanchez, via Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. While no deal is close to being finalized, Acee suggested Sanchez can earn a contract withing the six to eight million range.
San Diego Sanchez
Sanchez spent the majority of last season with the Padres, appearing in 72 games. He hit .218 with 19 home runs and 46 RBI. While consistency has never been a big part of Sanchez's game, he has always proven to have a knack for the longball. Despite appearing in 83 less games, Sanchez had the same amount of round trippers as Xander Boegarts.
If the Padres were to re-sign him, it would be with that power in mind. If (seemingly when) the Padres trade Soto, a lot of their power will be depleted. Soto led San Diego with 35 home runs and 109 RBI last season. The Padres need offense for someone.
Gary Sanchez certainly isn't a one-for-one replacement for Juan Soto. There aren't many players who have played the game that are. But while his batting average continues to drop, Sanchez has proven to be a potential home run every at-bat. As the Padres begun to construct their Soto-less lineup, San Diego is looking for Sanchez to be a part of it.
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