Gary Sanchez may only have 32 MLB games under his belt in 2016, but New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi believes the starting catcher should receive rookie of the year consideration.
Girardi told the New York Daily News Sanchez “should be considered” for AL Rookie of the Year. He admitted it’s going to be difficult for Sanchez to gain traction for the award unless he puts up another stellar 20-day period.
“It’s going to be hard for him to win, in a sense, because he hasn’t been here the whole year,” Girardi said. “But if he puts up 20 days like he did the other 20-day period, he’s going to be in real consideration.”
Sanchez has posted gaudy numbers since joining the Yankees in early August. The 23-year-old hit 11 home runs in his first 23 games being named the AL Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month. Sanchez has cooled down somewhat, but in 35 games he posted 13 home runs, 24 RBI, hitting .333 with a .411 OBP.
The Yankees backstop would be a legitimate candidate had he been called up much earlier in the season. Sanchez has been impressive in the last month, but his sample size is too small for serious consideration. Detroit Tigers rookie Michael Fulmer posting a 10-6 record with a 2.76 ERA and in 23 starts also doesn’t help his case.
Sanchez MLB debut has been among the best ever but his chances of landing AL Rookie of the Year evaporate due to his small sample size. Hardware or not, Sanchez has proven he’s a legit starting catcher. He and the Yankees should be happy with his development.
