Gary Sánchez is on the comeback trail, having begun his rehab assignment with the Baltimore Orioles' Triple-A affiliate Norfolk. The former New York Yankees catcher demonstrated his power with a three-run homer during a game, contributing to Norfolk's victory over the Louisville Bats. Despite a rough start to the season due to a wrist injury, Sánchez's track record as a power hitter remains intact, with an average of 17 homers and a .711 OPS from 2021 to 2024. However, the last-place Orioles have not heavily relied on him, given his disappointing batting performance prior to injury.

Sánchez, now 32 and considered a journeyman, faces a significant challenge in reviving his image after being deemed a disappointment during his tenure with the Yankees. He made two All-Star appearances but has struggled defensively and offensively. As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, teams may look to acquire him as a bench bat rather than as an everyday catcher, marking a shift in his career trajectory.