Fantasy Baseball 2016: Rookie Sleepers At Each Position
By Scott Dillon
Catcher: Gary Sanchez – ADP: Undrafted
Gary Sanchez has a decent shot at entering the season as the backup to Brian McCann, but he’s going to have to hit a little better the rest of the Spring to have a shot. So far he’s got only one hit and a batting average south of .100.
Sanchez found his way onto everyone’s radar after he had a great season in 2015. He spent time between Double-A and Triple-A but hit consistently throughout the season.
In only 365 at-bats between those two Minor League levels Sanchez his 23 doubles and 18 home runs. That’s a home run in every 20.3 at-bats and an extra-base hit in every nine.
He does strike out a fair amount with a strikeout percentage of 21 in 2015 and a rate of just over 23. He’s also not someone who’s going to hit for an average of around .300, but he’s a catcher. Anything north of .250 with the power he provides is a plus.
When he reported to Arizona for the fall league, he continue to mash. He slashed .295/.357/.625 in 88 at-bats. In that time he hit six doubles, a triple, seven home runs and drove in 21 RBIs.
He may not make the opening day roster if he can’t start to hit this Spring, but even if he does he’s likely to get limited hacks behind Brian McCann. Because of this, most of Sanchez’s value is found in dynasty leagues.
Next: Reed It And Weep