Gary Sanchez is unquestionably one of, if not, the best catchers in the game of baseball, but the Yankees have still made sure to build their catching depth behind him this offseason.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees have signed former Met Josh Thole to a minor-league deal worth $600,000 if he makes it to the majors.
Already this offseason, the Yankees have agreed to minor-league deals with Chris Iannetta and Erik Kratz, both of whom have plenty of major-league experience.
Sanchez has played in a combined 195 out of 364 games over the past two regular seasons because of injuries, and while Kyle Higashioka played in 18 games last season, he hit just .214. Meanwhile, Austin Romine, who has been one of the better backup catchers around the league in recent years, is now a member of the Detroit Tigers.
Thole, 33, has not played in the majors since the 2016 season, his fourth year to Toronto. Prior to his time as a Blue Jay, Thole played his first four years with the Mets, slashing .261/.331/.333 with seven home runs and 87 RBI.
Thole was traded along with RA Dickey to Toronto in the deal that brought Noah Syndergaard and Travis d'Arnaud to Queens.