3 San Diego Padres moves that worked out better than expected in 2023

The signing of Gary Sanchez worked out better than expected in 2023

Looking to solidify the catching position in late May, Preller signed Sanchez after the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets let him go after taking a flyer on him. Their loss turned out to be the Padres gain.

Behind the plate, the veteran stabilized the pitching staff and formed an instant connection with Snell which is one of the reasons why he's one of the favorites to win the Cy Young Award. After Sanchez was signed, Snell went 10-3 and finished the month of June with a 0.87 ERA and July with a 0.56 ERA. It rose in August to 3.00 but went back down in September to 0.58.

Sanchez can't be credited with Snell's success in September after his season ended on September 6 when his wrist was fractured after being hit by a pitch against the Phillies. He finished the season slashing .217/.288/.492, which is not going to blow you away, but he produced 19 home runs and 47 RBI in 75 games.

A free agent this winter, he is someone who San Diego should seriously consider bringing back next season to work with the pitching staff. He's not going to command a big contract and a veteran behind the plate with prospect Luis Campusano is a duo that can be successful if that's the route the front office decides to go.