Ashes to ashes, rust to rust: Should the Yankees go after Gary Sanchez?

"I did not come into the Offseason Plan planning to sign Gary Sánchez," writes the great Mike Axisa at RAB Thoughts - go there and give blood - who just published his annual, Dostoevesky-length fever-screed on the Yankees. It includes the case for bringing back - sit down for this - Gary Sanchez.

Yep, the Kraken, who predated Gleyber and Jazz in messing up a future Monument Park plaque. We also called him "The Sanchize." That's how solid his Yankee future appeared to be back in 2016.

O to be 23 again! That year, he hit 20 HRs in 53 games, a BA of .299!  It was Gary, not Judge, who would lead us from the Stygian, Steinbrenneran darkness. 

Ah, but that was then. This is, well, not then. Nevertheless, Axisa believes Sanchez could fill a hole that has haunted the Yankees for two years: The need for a RH catcher to platoon with Austin Wells. 

So, Return of the Kraken? Ten thoughts.

1. Gary's a free agent, no strings. Milwaukee didn't make a qualifying offer. (Unlike the Yankees, they develop young catchers.) 

2. He'll turn 34 in three weeks. Ancient, for an everyday lug nut. Serviceable, for a backup. 

3. Not much else out there, unless we want to pay front-line money for a platoon. (Note: Higgy is out there. I personally would accept the Higster.)

4. This means giving Austin Wells another shot. (He's already well into Volpe land.) Why not? He started hitting in September, and our pitchers love him.

5. Gary has accepted the role of backup. (Some just never do.)   

6. Gary seems to be past the stage of stupid moments. Remember how angry he made us, back when he was systematically squandering his talent? That was 10 years ago. Now, he knows every year can be his finale.

7. Gary can still hit lefties. Last year, he batted .238 against them. Not Babe Ruth. Not Ali Sanchez. Overall, he hit 12 HRs in 86 games. Over a full season, that's about 20.

8. Gary has accepted the Milwaukee game plan for grinding out walks. He doesn't swing at as many bad pitches. Some people call it "discipline." Actually, he doesn't swing at many pitches, unless there's two strikes or it's a watermelon. 

9. He can still throw - 7th best arm strength in 2026, Axisa says - though overall, his defense is so-so. 

10. Guy's got a ring. Backup catcher for a world champion. (Side note: He was Blake Snell’s personal catcher during Snell’s 2023 NL Cy Young season.)

He made $1.75 million last year. We can get him for maybe $4 million.

Why not? Aren't prodigal sons supposed to return?