"Are the Orioles going back to tanking?";"Don't like this at all" - Fans roast Orioles for reportedly securing Gary Sanchez on 1-year deal

Fans reacted as the Baltimore Orioles signed veteran catcher Gary Sanchez on a one-year deal, as per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, although the news is yet to be confirmed by the organization. This is the sixth team the former New York Yankees backstop has joined since his final year at the Bronx in 2021.

Fans made light of the fact that Gary Sanchez has been moving from one team to another at a rapid pace.

MLB post (Image Source: Instagram)

"Bro getting passed around like that girl in high school," one fan commented on the Instagram post.

Fan comment (Image Source: Instagram)

"Poor Gary, being tossed around," another fan said.

Fan comment (Image Source: Instagram)

"Bro is getting tossed around like a blunt," wrote another fan.

Fan comment (Image Source: Instagram)

Meanwhile, some fans questioned the judgment of the Orioles in signing the veteran catcher.

"Are the Orioles going back to tanking?," one fan wondered.

"Orioles make some of the most confusing signings," another said.

"Don't like this signing at all," said one fan.

Despite the negative comments from fans, Sanchez posted a solid year with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs in just 280 plate appearances as the Brewers claimed the National League Central division title.

Gary Sanchez made his debut with the New York Yankees in 2015 and was the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year the next year. He was a two-time All-Star for the Bombers before getting traded to the Minnesota Twins in 2022. Sanchez played for the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres in 2023.

Sanchez had joined the Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year, $3 million deal for 2024. The club declined their option to extend his contract at the end of the season, making him a free agent for 2025. MLB insider Mark Feinsand announced on Saturday that the Baltimore Orioles have signed the catcher for next season, but the full details have not yet emerged.

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Role of Gary Sanchez for the Orioles

Gary Sanchez has 30 home runs for the Padres and the Brewers over the past two seasons (Image Source Imagn)

There's no question that Gary Sanchez will play no bigger role for the Baltimore Orioles than being their secondary catcher, barring injury to their All-Star backstop Adley Rutschman.

The Orioles haven't yet re-signed backup catcher James McCann, so the 32-year-old may well end up filling that vacancy next year.

Moreover, Sanchez could also serve as a secondary option at DH for the Orioles. He has smashed 30 home runs in the past two seasons despite receiving limited game time.