SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 06, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves got a head start in free agency, as they signed former Milwaukee Brewers catcher Manny Pina to a multi-year deal.
The parade is over for the Atlanta Braves after they won the World Series for the first time since 1995. Now, much like their 29 counterparts, began looking at the free agency market in hopes of competing in the Fall Classic. The Braves wasted no time in adding a catcher from the free agency market, and it will make those New York Yankees fans looking to move on from Gary Sanchez a bit upset.
On Monday, the Braves signed former Milwaukee Brewers catcher Manny Pina to a two-year, $8 million contract. There is also an option for the 2024 season worth $4 million.
Braves sign former Brewers catcher Manny Pina to two-year contract
Pina is coming off a 2021 season where he slashed .189/293/.439 while recording 13 home runs, 33 RBI and 34 hits. Not the greatest numbers at the plate, but Pina is a solid defender. Behind the plate, he recorded a .994 fielding percentage, allowed three passed balls and committed three errors on 541 chances, per Baseball Reference.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees were open to bringing in a catcher to replace Sanchez, but noted that the market this year was really thin. With Pina off the board, it may very well be one more year of Sanchez behind the plate in Yankee Stadium. Sanchez is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2022 season.
Even though the Yankees potentially missed out on a catcher, they have their main priorities set elsewhere. Specifically, trying to sign one of the premier shortstops in free agency, such as Carlos Correa or Corey Seager.