IS THIS CATCHER ABOUT TO BACK UP AUSTIN WELLS?

Catcher, catcher, who will be the backup catcher?

There's actually talk about this and to be honest, I was too wrapped up in the rotation and infield and didn't realize we're kind of in a bad place in this position.

The Yankees have their starting catcher in Austin Wells... and that's about it.  Right now, the backup options aren’t exactly inspiring, no offense. The only other catchers on the active roster that I can see are J.C. Escarra and Jesus Rodriguez. Rodriguez, at just 22 years old, is still a work in progress, and Escarra, 29, has yet to make his MLB debut. Let’s be real—both will likely spend most (if not all) of the season in the minors. 

So, what’s the plan, Yankees?

Wells is solid, but let’s not pretend he’s the second coming of Jorge Posada. Catchers take a beating, injuries happen, and having a reliable backup is a must. That’s why the latest buzz about veteran James McCann is actually pretty intriguing.

McCann, a former All-Star, spent 2024 as the Orioles’ backup, hitting .231 with eight homers and 31 RBIs while mentoring Adley Rutschman. He’s a seasoned pro with over a decade of MLB experience and could be the perfect guy to not only provide depth but also help Wells develop.

Bringing in McCann would give the Yankees a steady, experienced presence behind the plate—someone who’s been through the grind and knows how to handle a pitching staff. Plus, he wouldn’t cost a fortune. It’s still just a rumor at this point, but honestly? This move makes a ton of sense.

Will the Yankees pull the trigger? We’ll have to wait and see.

GARY SANCHEZ IS BACK IN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE!

Remember when Gary Sanchez was "The Kraken," terrorizing pitchers and winning over Yankees fans with that sweet power swing? Yeah, those were good times… until you actually watched him catch. Then it felt like someone let a guy off the couch, slapped some gear on him, and said, “Go play.” The eye test wasn’t kind, folks—lazy blocks, wild stabs, and all the defensive finesse of a bowling ball rolling downhill. But hey, he could hit bombs, and for a while, we all squinted hard enough to pretend that was enough.

Fast forward to 2024, and guess what? Sánchez is back in the AL East! According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Baltimore Orioles have signed him to a one-year deal worth $8.5 million. Yes, $8.5 million! For Gary Sánchez! Baseball truly is the land of second, third, and fourth chances.

Gary Sanchez to Orioles. One year.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 8, 2024

The O's plan to use Sánchez as the backup to franchise superstar Adley Rutschman, because, let’s face it, Rutschman is too good to sit often. Sánchez is the "break glass in case of emergency" guy for when Adley needs a day off. Maybe Gary can even DH occasionally, just to remind us all that, yes, he can still hit a baseball into orbit every now and then.

Now, to Sánchez’s credit, he did have a mini-resurgence with the Padres last year. After bouncing around like a baseball vagabond, he managed to crush 19 home runs in 260 plate appearances and post a respectable .218/.292/.500 slash line. Sure, the batting average wasn’t going to make Ted Williams rise from the grave, but it ain’t bad. It was enough to get him a gig in Milwaukee, where he backed up William Contreras and occasionally lumbered over to first base or DH duties. Serviceable? Sure. Inspiring? Let’s not get carried away.

Now, Orioles GM Mike Elias has decided to roll the dice on Sánchez. Maybe he thinks Gary’s got some veteran wisdom to impart to Rutschman. Or maybe Elias just wanted a catcher who can make Adley look even better by comparison. Either way, it’s a bold strategy.

For Orioles fans, this signing is a little like ordering a Big Mac after watching a five-star chef prepare a steak—it gets the job done, but it’s not what you’re really excited about. At least Sánchez can still hit the occasional monster homer, which should be fun at Camden Yards. Just don’t expect miracles behind the plate, unless your idea of a miracle is catching the ball most of the time.