Most of MLB is in a holding pattern, patiently awaiting the Juan Soto decision. But not the Baltimore Orioles, who capped off a pair of signings on December 5 by inking Gary Sanchez to a one-year deal.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post was first with reports. The deal is for $8.5 million.
The 32-year-old catcher spent six seasons as Baltimore’s rival, as a member of the New York Yankees from 2015-2021. He earned All-Star honors in 2017 and 2019, before spending the last three seasons with four different clubs.
Now, Sanchez returns to the AL East with the Orioles, where he’ll back up Adley Rutschman.
Sanchez slashed .220/.307/.392 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs with the Milwaukee Brewers last season.
Gary Sanchez Signing is Telling, for 2 Reasons
Orioles fans are no doubt happy to see the team spending, empowered behind a new ownership group, led by David Rubenstein.
That doesn’t change the strategic nature behind free agency additions, however. And in the signing of Sanchez, there are key takeaways for the fanbase.
First, don’t look for James McCann to return to Baltimore. After two productive seasons with the Orioles, it appears he’s on to the next stop in his 11-year career.
McCann slashed .234/.279/.388 with 8 home runs and 31 RBIs last season. He leaves some big shoes to fill for Sanchez on the defensive end of the ball.
But secondarily, on a more exciting note, is Samuel Basallo‘s MLB debut closer than fans think? The 19-year-old catcher finished last year with the Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate Norfolk Tides.
For a team set at catcher with Rutschman, not signing a backup to a multi-year deal could be a signal that Basallo’s debut is around the corner. Even if that’s in 2025.
Basallo, who finished last season slashing .278/.341/.449 with 19 home runs and 65 RBIs, is MLB’s 13th ranked prospect.
Orioles Sign Tyler O’Neill to 3-Year Deal
The more exciting of Baltimore’s two signings is Tyler O’Neill, who also joins the team by way of a division rival.
Heyman was first with those reports too, writing that the Orioles signed the 29-year-old to a three-year, $49.5 million deal. That includes an opt out following next season.
O’Neill spent last season with the Boston Red Sox. He hit 31 home runs behind a .241/.336/.511 batting line, including 61 RBIs.
The O’Neill signing would also indicate the departure of a key Baltimore free agent, Anthony Santander. The former Rule 5 Draft Pick turned All-Star is considered among the top available talents in this free agency cycle.
Santander hit 44 home runs last season, only bested by Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. It’s possible his market has proved too rich for the Orioles, or he’s signaled a desire to head elsewhere.
O’Neill is also slated to play a power-hitting role and in the outfield. It’s unlikely they’d pay both. So, it’s a shakeup of an offseason for Baltimore, albeit not of blockbuster proportion.
Next, Mike Elias and the front office will seek out a starting pitcher; Corbin Burnes, or a replacement. Heyman reported on December 4 that Burnes met with the Yankees in a meeting that was described as “very well.”
Buckle up Orioles fans. Free agency has just begun.
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Orioles Sign Former Yankees All-Star to $8.5 Million Deal