Though the sample size is small, the New York Mets could wind up regretting not keeping Gary Sanchez.
Sanchez, who was claimed off waivers from the Mets on May 29, hit his fourth home run in nine games with the Padres in San Diego’s 10-3 rout over the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.
Sanchez is batting .286 with 10 RBIs.
The former longtime Yankee — who is wearing No. 99, like Aaron Judge — has four homers in an eight-game span for the first time since 2021.
He is the first San Diego player to achieve the feat since Jake Cronenworth, also in 2021.
“Everyone knows how much power has and what he brings to the team,″ Juan Soto — who had a career-high five-hit night to go along with four RBIs — said of Sanchez.
Sánchez, who belted a three-run homer off Michael Wacha in the third inning, started his season in the San Francisco Giants organization, then went on to the Mets and Padres.
“It’s really the way I have been treated here,″ Sanchez said through a translator. “My teammates, the coaches. … I feel like I’ve been playing for a long time here.″
Sanchez, a two-time All-Star, admitted his season has been challenging.
“It’s been a little tough to be honest,″ he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity here to be able to play.”
Sanchez hit well during his stint with Triple-A Syracuse, earning a brief chance to play with the Mets.
Sanchez appeared in three games for the Amazin’s — going 1-for-6 (.167) with three strike outs and an RBI — before being released when Tomas Nido came off the injured list.
Gary Sanchez celebrates with Manny Machado after hitting a three-run homer in the Padres’ 10-3 win over the Mariners. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con“Gary tried to do some things while Tomas was out and now Tomas is back and we’ll go in a different direction,” manager Buck Showalter said after Sanchez’s release. “We’re trying to make the club as good as it can be each day. I think it is now with Tomas back. … I am glad we went down that path and I am glad Tomas is back.”
Sanchez hit .230 with 138 homers and 340 RBIs during his seven-year career with the Yankees.
Sanchez, who was traded to the Twins on March 13, 2022, hit .205 with 16 homers and 61 RBIs in his one season in Minnesota.
— with AP
