The Yankees stayed away from signing free-agent stars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, who wanted too many years and too many dollars. They also didn’t acquire catcher J.T. Realmuto from the Marlins.
Not pursuing Realmuto, who ended up with the Phillies, was a strong signal the Yankees believe Gary Sanchez will rebound from a brutal 2018 season. With the first official step in that process commencing Wednesday in Tampa, when Yankees pitchers and catchers report to George M. Steinbrenner Field for spring training, some believe the 26-year-old Sanchez will be the biggest story.
Will his ability to block balls improve after leading the majors with 18 passed balls in 2018?