3 San Diego Padres who need to step up before it's too late

San Diego Padres need Gary Sanchez to step up before it's too late

When the 2023 season began, who thought that Gary Sanchez would be anywhere on any San Diego Padres list? Furthermore, who thought that Sanchez would be on a list of players that need to step up before it's too late?

Since arriving in Southern California, the former New York Yankees catcher has had an injection of offense into the lineup. After having a brief cup of coffee earlier this season with the New York Mets, Sachnez has slashed .206/.287./.443 with the Padres with seven home runs and 20 RBI.

He is not the same hitter he was just a few years ago for the Yankees and his production slipped last season after being traded to the Minnesota Twins. The case can be made that he is deserving of more of the right-handed DH at-bats over Nelson Cruz and maybe more over Matt Carpenter.

Sanchez also gives Melvin the opportunity to put him behind the plate as his catching is still on top of its game, something that is an added bonus in signing him. He also brings another veteran voice into a lineup loaded with them and his success with the Yankees can be beneficial to the Friars.

San Diego is looking for someone to step up before it's too late in 2023 and Sanchez is someone capable of doing it. This could end up being a smart signing by Preller before the season is over.