MLB insider questions 'really confusing' holdup in Brewers' Gary Sánchez deal

What is going on?

San Diego Padres catcher Gary Sanchez
San Diego Padres catcher Gary Sanchez / Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/GettyImages

The Milwaukee Brewers' offseason has been rather confounding, to say the least. After losing Craig Counsell to their hated division rival, the Brewers were rather quiet throughout most of the winter.

Then Milwaukee struck a two-year deal with former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins, and it appeared as though Matt Arnold and the Brewers' front office were looking to contend for the NL Central Division crown once again. Then came the Corbin Burnes trade, and now the fanbase is once again rather confused.

Adding to all the confusion is the latest information from FanSided's Robert Murray involving supposed Brewers catcher Gary Sánchez. The backstop has yet to report to spring training. During the Baseball Insiders Podcast this week, Murray described a "really confusing" holdup in Sánchez's contract that had been reported over a week ago.

MLB insider questions 'really confusing' holdup in Brewers' Gary Sánchez deal

Sanchez reportedly agreed to a one-year, $7 million contract that included an option for the 2025 season. While the deal itself was confusing, considering the Brewers depth at the position already, there are certainly enough at-bats available to allow for Sanchez, William Contreras, and Eric Hasse to all get meaningful time behind the plate.

But this latest development will have Brewers fans even further questioning what's going on with the organization this offseason. Murray, who has plenty of contacts in the Brewers organization, said during the podcast that he sent out a lot of text messages, but has yet to receive anything back regarding Sánchez's status.

With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training this past week, it would nice for one of the Brewers' supposed catchers to be present in Arizona. Brewers fans can add the Sánchez contract to the perplexing offseason Milwaukee has seen this winter.

The Milwaukee Brewers face an uphill climb to repeat as NL Central Division champions in 2024, with or without Gary Sánchez. Not only was Corbin Burnes traded this offseason, but due to what's likely to be a season-ending shoulder injury, Brandon Woodruff was non-tendered earlier this winter. There've also been trade rumors surrouding Willy Adames and Devin Williams.

Brewers fans at least got to see the organization lock up their young outfielder after agreeing to terms with Jackson Chourio. But that's been the lone bit of positive news the Milwaukee faithful have seen in what's been a baffling offseason.

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