New York Yankees: Prospects to Watch in 2016

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Mar 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (78) hits a sacrifice RBI during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at a spring training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Gary Sanchez, C

Catcher Gary Sanchez is taking the Yankees farm system by storm with his raw power at the catchers position despite concerns over his defensive abilities and attitude.

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Sanchez is ranked as the #2 catching prospect in all of baseball, and the #2 prospect in New York’s organization.

Between AA and AAA last year, the 22-year old catcher hit 18 home runs and drive in 62 runs in 93 games before earning a September call up to the Bronx. After season’s end, he earned a trip to the Arizona Fall League where he turned some heads by leading the league with seven home runs and 21 runs batted in.

Despite his success at the plate, his success, or lack thereof, behind the plate has caused some concern. Along with defense, maturity has been a major factor as to why he hasn’t reached his full potential. His defense has improved, as he lowered the amount of pass balls from 26 in 2011, to two in 2015. But in 2014, he was benched multiple times by his Trenton manager for his behavior on the baseball field.

In 2016, you can expect Sanchez to be backing up Brian McCann as John Ryan Murphy was traded to Minnesota for outfielder Aaron Hicks.

How much to the Yankees believe in their young backstop? When Brian Cashman was asked about Sanchez’s role in 2016 he responded with: “It’s time to release the Kraken.” (According to Pinstriped Prospects)

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