How Will the Newly Acquired Gary Sanchez Fit with the Brewers in 2024?

Sometimes, when it comes to free agent signings, you have your more obvious roster fits. For the Milwaukee Brewers, a recent example is Rhys Hoskins, who addressed a very clear hole on the roster at first base.

Other times, a new player's fit on the roster raises questions. That was the case for some when it was announced that the Brewers had agreed to terms with free agent catcher Gary Sanchez.

With the season drawing closer there were still a number of other positions that Milwaukee could've addressed, perhaps a more established third baseman or another starting pitcher to further reinforce the rotation after the trade of Corbin Burnes.

Instead, the Brewers brought in a player at a position that seemingly felt as though it had sufficient depth. That, then, raises the question.

How Will New Brewers Catcher Gary Sanchez Fit With the Crew in 2024?

Many Brewers fans thought the team's depth at catcher was already good heading into the 2024 season. They already had a stud, All-Star level catcher in William Contreras who was backed up by free agent signee Eric Haase and Top 100 MLB prospect Jeferson Quero.

But while Contreras should be a solid bet to perform well this season, can the same be said about the other two? Haase is coming off a disappointing year where he had an OPS of just .528 in 89 games while Quero is just 21 and hasn't yet played past the Double-A level.

Sanchez gives the Brewers an extra catcher to throw into the mix, one with nine seasons of MLB experience. Now if Quero isn't ready and Haase, who is only signed for $1MM this season, somehow doesn't make it out of spring training, the team is still set at the position.

Of course, catcher isn't the only place that Sanchez could contribute. The Brewers don't have a clear cut starter at the designated hitter position heading into 2024 and were likely set to use a DH-by-committee approach.

Milwaukee needs to figure out a way to get some steadier offensive production at DH, something they haven't been able to do since the position became permanent two seasons ago. Sanchez and his .792 OPS would have ranked fourth on the Brewers in 2023 (minimum 50 games) so one way or another they can use his offense.

Even if the roster fits aren't always so obvious, that doesn't mean they aren't there. Sanchez's addition benefits the Brewers in a couple of ways and will be a big part of the team in 2024.