Brewers Will Add Gary Sánchez to NLDS Playoff Roster
The veteran catcher joins the Milwaukee lineup for the team's upcoming postseason series against the San Diego Padres.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Baseball
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The Milwaukee Brewers have officially added 33-year-old Gary Sánchez to their roster for the NLDS series beginning on Saturday. Sánchez will serve as the team's second catcher following the club's successful 103-59 regular season.
Why it matters
Adding an experienced veteran with 945 games of major league experience provides the Brewers with additional depth behind the plate for their postseason run. His inclusion offers the team a power-hitting option who has previously recorded 201 career home runs.
Sánchez finished the 2026 regular season with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs over 86 games. Across his career, he maintains a .223 batting average and has tallied 201 total home runs.
The players
Gary Sánchez
A 33-year-old catcher with 945 career MLB games who previously earned two All-Star appearances while playing for the New York Yankees.
Milwaukee Brewers
A Major League Baseball team that finished the 2026 regular season with a 103-59 record and is entering the NLDS playoffs.
San Diego Padres
The professional baseball team scheduled to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the upcoming NLDS series.
The details
Sánchez was acquired by Milwaukee during his second stint with the organization to bolster the bench. He previously played seven seasons for the New York Yankees, where he earned two All-Star Game selections, before a 2022 trade sent him to the Minnesota Twins.
Timeline
March 13, 2022: The Yankees traded Gary Sánchez to the Minnesota Twins.
Sunday: The MLB regular season concluded.
Saturday: The Brewers begin their NLDS series against the Padres.
Season Trajectory
The inclusion of a veteran like Sánchez deepens the Brewers roster as they look to capitalize on their 103-win season during the NLDS. This strategic depth is critical for Milwaukee as they attempt to balance catching duties throughout a high-stakes postseason series against the Padres.
Sánchez provides Milwaukee with a right-handed power option off the bench for late-inning situations. His addition as the second catcher allows the Brewers flexibility to pinch-hit for the starting catcher without leaving the position vulnerable for the remainder of the game.
The takeaway
The decision to carry two catchers underscores the importance of defensive insurance during short, high-leverage playoff series. Fans should watch how the coaching staff manages the platoon options throughout the duration of the NLDS.
Further reading
Find more updates on the upcoming series on the Milwaukee Baseball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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