Brewers Sign Gary Sánchez

Avery K. Bristow

Published: February 11, 2026 2:44 PM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers have officially signed veteran catcher Gary Sánchez to a new deal. Reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Sánchez’s contract is worth $1.75 million. This signing marks Sánchez’s second tenure with the Brewers in three years.

Gary Sánchez: A Look at His Journey

At 33 years old, Sánchez spent the 2025 season with the Baltimore Orioles. However, injuries limited his playtime significantly, as he participated in only 30 games due to wrist inflammation and a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Despite these setbacks, he managed to hit five home runs and recorded a batting line of .231/.297/.418.

Previous Stint with the Brewers

In the 2024 season, Sánchez played for the Brewers, where he batted .220/.307/.392 and hit 11 home runs in 280 plate appearances. During that season, he served as a backup to William Contreras and acted as a part-time designated hitter in 40 games. As the 2026 season approaches, he is expected to continue in a similar role.

Defensive Capabilities

Initially viewed as a defensive liability, Sánchez improved his performance in recent seasons. His defensive marks were solid in 2022 and 2023, but he dropped below average in 2025, recording only 175 innings behind the plate. This fluctuating performance in defense has been closely monitored through metrics like Defensive Runs Saved and Statcast.

Brewers’ Catching Depth

The Brewers recently signed Reese McGuire, adding further depth to their catching lineup.
McGuire is likely to serve as a backup to Contreras or will be sent to Triple-A Nashville if he opts out of his minor league deal.

This new influx of veteran catchers allows the Brewers to take their time with top prospect Jeferson Quero. This 20-year-old catcher has only 59 games and 251 plate appearances at the Triple-A level. However, a strong showing in Nashville could push him closer to a full-time role in 2027, when Contreras may be traded due to impending free agency.

Conclusion

The signing of Gary Sánchez reflects the Brewers’ strategy of reinforcing their roster with experienced players while developing young talent. With both Sánchez and McGuire on board, this 2026 season could prove to be pivotal for the Brewers and their catching future.