As a 19-year MLB veteran from 2001-19, six-time All-Star and former Yankees ace LHP, CC Sabathia knows what is needed to succeed in the bigs -- and New York.

With four-plus seasons on the Yankees as a batterymate to C Gary Sanchez, Sabathia expressed confidence in the 28-year-old's potential for a bounce-back 2021 and beyond.

"For sure," Sabathia told the New York Post's George A. King III when asked if Sanchez could rebound from a career-worst 2020 campaign. "There are tough times in your career and you have to make an adjustment. He wants to be a good catcher in the big leagues and we obviously know he has the talent to do it. Now it is time for him to get back to work and to the level of the player that we know he can be."

In 49 games played during the pandemic-shortened 60-game regular, season Sanchez struggled mightily as the Yankees' catcher and designated hitter. Sanchez slashed .147/.253/.365 with 10 home runs and 24 RBI.

As a second-time All-Star selection in 2019, Sanchez hit a career-high 34 home runs, slashing .232/.316/.525 while recording 77 RBI. The Yankees have a decision to make Wednesday by 8 p.m. with Sanchez, who becomes a free agent if the franchise does not tender the slugger a contract while being projected a salary of $5.5 million for the 2021 season.

Sabathia, 40, retired after the 2019 season. As a Yankee from 2009-17, Sabathia earned three All-Star selections, going 134-88 with a 3.81 ERA in 307 games (306 starts) over 1,908 innings pitched, striking out 1,700 while walking 576.

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