Gary Sánchez facts for kids

"Gary Sanchez" redirects here. For the production company, see Gary Sanchez Productions.

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Sánchez and the second or maternal family name is Herrera.

Quick facts for kids

Gary Sánchez

Sánchez with the New York Yankees in 2016

Baltimore Orioles

Catcher / Designated hitter

Born: December 2, 1992 (age 32)
Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

debut

October 3, 2015, for the New York Yankees

MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)

Batting average

.224

Home runs

184

Runs batted in

485

Teams

Career highlights and awards

2× All-Star (2017, 2019)
Silver Slugger Award (2017)

Gary Sánchez Herrera (born December 2, 1992) is a professional baseball player from the Dominican Republic. He plays as a catcher for the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has also played for teams like the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Gary Sánchez made his MLB debut in 2015. He quickly became famous in 2016. He was named the American League's Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month in August 2016. Even though he played in only 53 games, he finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting. In 2017, he was chosen as an All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award. Sánchez is known for hitting home runs fast. He is the quickest catcher in MLB history to hit 100 home runs.

Early Life and Family

Gary Sánchez grew up in La Victoria, Dominican Republic. His parents separated when he was young. He and his three brothers and one sister were raised by their mother, Orquidia Herrera, and grandmother, Agustina Pena. They still saw their father often. Gary's brother, Miguel Sánchez, also played baseball for a while.

Baseball Career

Starting in the Minor Leagues

Sánchez with the Tampa Yankees in 2012

Gary Sánchez joined the New York Yankees organization in July 2009. He signed as an international free agent and received a $3 million bonus. Before the 2010 season, Baseball America magazine said he was the Yankees' seventh-best young player. He started his professional career with the Gulf Coast Yankees. Later in 2010, he moved up to the Staten Island Yankees. He had a great first season, hitting .329 with eight home runs.

In 2011, Sánchez was considered one of the top young players in all of baseball. He played for the Charleston RiverDogs. He hit 17 home runs before a finger injury ended his season early. He continued to play in the minor leagues, moving up through different levels.

Sánchez with the Trenton Thunder in 2014

In 2013, he played for the Tampa Yankees and then the Trenton Thunder. By 2015, he was playing for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He was even chosen to play in the 2015 All-Star Futures Game, which features top young players.

Playing for the New York Yankees

2015: First Taste of MLB

After the minor league season ended in 2015, the Yankees called Sánchez up to the major leagues. He made his first MLB appearance on October 3. After the season, he played in the Arizona Fall League. He led the league in home runs and was named the Fall Stars Game Most Valuable Player. His strong performance made the Yankees feel confident in his future.

2016: A Breakout Season

Sánchez in August 2016

Sánchez started the 2016 season in the minor leagues. He was called up to the Yankees again on August 3. He quickly showed his talent, getting his first major league hit and then his first home run. He had an amazing August, hitting many home runs and getting lots of hits. He was named the AL Player of the Week twice in a row. He also won the AL Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month awards.

Sánchez hit 19 home runs in his first 45 games, making him the fastest player in modern baseball to reach that many. For the 2016 season, he played in 53 games, hitting .299 with 20 home runs and 42 RBIs. He was also good at throwing out runners trying to steal bases. He finished second in the voting for AL Rookie of the Year.

2017: All-Star Season

Sánchez in September 2016

In April 2017, Sánchez had a muscle strain and missed some games. He returned in May and continued to hit powerful home runs. He was selected for his first All-Star team. He also took part in the 2017 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby, where he showed off his power.

Sánchez played a big part in the Yankees' success that year. He hit two home runs in one game against the Detroit Tigers, including a very long one. He was involved in a heated moment during a game, which led to a short suspension. On September 14, Sánchez hit his 31st home run of the season. This broke the record for most home runs by a Yankees catcher in a single season, a record previously held by Yogi Berra and Jorge Posada.

He ended the 2017 season hitting .278 with 33 home runs and 90 RBIs. He won the Silver Slugger Award as the best hitting catcher in the American League.

2018: Injuries and Challenges

Sánchez catching in 2018

On April 26, 2018, Sánchez hit his first career walk-off home run, winning the game for the Yankees. However, he faced injuries during the season, including a groin injury. He also received some criticism for his effort during games.

Sánchez finished the 2018 season hitting .186 with 18 home runs. He had surgery on his shoulder during the offseason.

2019: Bouncing Back

Sánchez batting in July 2019

Sánchez started 2019 strong. On April 7, he hit three home runs in one game. On April 27, he hit his first career grand slam. He also hit his first career triple on May 19.

On August 23, 2019, Sánchez hit his 100th career home run. This made him the fastest catcher and fastest American League player to reach 100 home runs. On September 3, he broke his own record for most home runs by a Yankees catcher in a season, hitting his 33rd and 34th. He became only the second Yankees catcher with multiple 30-home run seasons, joining Yogi Berra.

2020-2021: Continued Struggles

The 2020 season was shorter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sánchez struggled, hitting only .147 with 10 home runs. He was sometimes benched by his manager. His struggles continued into the 2021 season, where he hit .204, though he did hit 23 home runs.

Moving to Other Teams

Minnesota Twins (2022)

On March 13, 2022, the Yankees traded Sánchez to the Minnesota Twins. He played one season with the Twins.

San Francisco Giants (2023)

In March 2023, Sánchez signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants. He played a few games for their minor league team before becoming a free agent.

New York Mets (2023)

In May 2023, Sánchez signed with the New York Mets. He played a few games for their minor league team and then three games for the Mets before being released.

San Diego Padres (2023)

Soon after, in May 2023, Sánchez was picked up by the San Diego Padres. He played 72 games for the Padres, hitting .218 with 19 home runs. His season ended early in September when he fractured his right wrist after being hit by a pitch.

Milwaukee Brewers (2024)

On February 21, 2024, Sánchez signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He played 89 games, hitting 11 home runs. The Brewers decided not to keep him for the 2025 season, making him a free agent again.

Baltimore Orioles (2024)

On December 10, 2024, Sánchez signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles.

Dominican Baseball Career

Sánchez with the Leones del Escogido in 2024

Gary Sánchez has also played baseball in the Dominican Professional Baseball League during the off-season. He played for the Leones del Escogido and the Toros del Este.

Personal Life

Gary Sánchez is married to Sahaira, and they have two daughters. He has said that the birth of his daughter helped him become a more dedicated and hardworking player.