2-Time All-Star Becomes Free Agent After Opting Out of Contract

It seemed like a low-risk shot in the dark for the San Francisco Giants at the time. But after watching a dreadful performance in Triple-A, the team has agreed to cut ties with former two-time All-Star Gary Sanchez. 

Gary Sanchez has opted out of his Giants minor-league deal after they didn't add him to the roster by the May 1st deadline, per @extrabaggs pic.twitter.com/qTEtiMuVsI

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 2, 2023

Sanchez had a May 1st opt-out on his minor league deal if he had not been called up to the majors by then, and he exercised it. The Giants didn't seem to mind, happily granting him his release.

The former Yankees catcher batted just .164 in 69 plate appearances for the Giants' Triple-A affiliate, with zero home runs. And let's face it, if Sanchez has any calling card on his resume, it's hitting the longball.

In 2022, he struggled in his lone season with the Minnesota Twins, batting just .205 with 16 homers. Those numbers are far removed from his All-Star days in the Bronx. In 2017, he bashed 33 bombs with a .278 average. In 2019, he hit another 34 out of the park, though his plate troubles began to rear their ugly head, as he batted just .232. Since then, he's struggled to reach the Mendoza Line. 

The Giants will continue to roll with Joey Bart as their main man behind the plate, with Blake Sabol as the backup. 

Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports