MLB rumors: Yankees could trade for All-Star catcher to replace Gary Sanchez

New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez may have played his final game in pinstripes.
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Will he stay or will he go?

That’s what New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman must decide about catcher Gary Sanchez.

The two-time All-Star is eligible for arbitration this winter. But after a second straight subpar year, it’s not impossible to picture Cashman non-tendering Sanchez and moving in a different direction.

If that’s the case, MLB Trade Rumors predicts the Yankees could look to trade for Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.

It’s become an annual tradition for people to debate whether or not the Yankees will stick with Gary Sanchez. His tremendous early years have seemed too tantalizing to give up on, even as he’s struggled more recently. In 2021, he was competent enough, hitting .204/.307/.423, producing a wRC+ of 99 and 1.5 fWAR. Like Contreras, he is going into his final arbitration season, and will be due a raise on a salary of $6.35MM. Could the Yankees be willing to swap him out for a catcher with a similar payout but more consistent production?

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MLB Trade Rumors predicts a possible Contreras trade also would draw interest from the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies.

The 29-year-old Contreras is a two-time All-Star who helped the Cubs win the 2016 World Series. He hit .237 with 21 home runs this season. According to Spotrac, Contreras is eligible for arbitration this winter after making $6.65 million in 2021. He’s scheduled to be a free agent following the 2022 season.

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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.

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