New York Yankees: Gary Sanchez Ready to Make an Impact

The New York Yankees have had top prospects make an impact in the majors last season, and there are more on the way very soon.

Last season, the Yankees were helped by Luis Severino and Greg Bird at the major league level, as Bird was an excellent replacement for Mark Teixeira after he was injured. Severino was arguably the Yankees’ best starter last season from the day he was called up.

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In 2016, there is a good chance that the Yankees will be calling up other top prospects to help them, and one of them is catcher Gary Sanchez.

Sanchez signed with the Yankees at the age of 16-years-old and has been playing in their system since 2010. After signing at such a young age, Sanchez had a lot of things to improve upon, but his game has become rounded out, and he appears close to becoming part of the Yankees’ major league roster.

“He improved in every category,’’ GM Brian Cashman said of Sanchez to George King of the New York Post. “The bat was always there, now his defense has come a long way, blocking balls, calling a game and throwing. He always had a 70 [on the 20-80 scouting scale] arm. He has grown up before our eyes.’’

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“Everything picked up, Josh Paul [catching instructor] and Gary Sanchez did it,’’ Cashman said to King. “It all came together. He always had the ability. Now he has the desire.’’

Like most young players, Sanchez has had his ups-and-downs in minor leagues, as there have been consistency issues

“Last [spring], it didn’t work out, and depending what month you saw him at Scranton, he hit .190 or .320.’’

Last season between AA and AAA, Sanchez totaled a .274 batting average, 18 home runs, and 62 RBIs. The Yankees do currently have a need for a backup catcher in 2016, as John Ryan Murphy was traded this offseason, leaving a void at the position.