Orioles’ Gary Sánchez Elects Free Agency After Disappointing Season

UPDATE: The Baltimore Orioles face a significant roster shift as catcher Gary Sánchez has just elected free agency, according to the latest MLB transactions list on CBSSports.com. This move comes on the heels of a disappointing 2025 season marred by injuries and underperformance, which squashed the team’s playoff aspirations.

Sánchez’s decision is crucial for the Orioles, who will now rely heavily on their existing catchers, Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo. Last season, Sánchez played in only 29 games for Baltimore, posting a lackluster slash line of .231/.297/.418 with five home runs and a .715 OPS in just 101 at-bats. His struggles were compounded by a knee sprain that sidelined him during a critical phase when he was hitting an impressive .295 with a .574 slugging percentage in the 17 games leading up to his injury.

The implications of Sánchez’s exit are vast. While he had a rough season, his power potential remains evident with seven extra-base hits in limited at-bats. Teams looking for a backup catcher should take notice, as Sánchez could still be a valuable asset if he can maintain his health. Notably, his former team, the New York Yankees, may be eyeing him as they need a right-handed hitting catcher to complement left-handed options Ben Rice and Austin Wells.

As the offseason unfolds, Sánchez’s free agency could become a pivotal moment for any team willing to take a chance on him. His ability to bounce back and secure a near full season for the first time since 2022 will be crucial in determining his future. With Sánchez now available, teams across the league will be closely monitoring the situation.

Keep an eye on developments surrounding Sánchez, as this signing could turn out to be one of the notable moves of the entire offseason.