Gary Sanchez thanks 2018 for giving him ‘adversity’

Gary Sanchez is trying to get a head start on putting an ugly 2018 behind him.

The catcher took to Instagram on Monday to thank 2018 for giving him “adversity” as he looks to bounce back.

“Thank you because that adversity has only fueled my fire to have a healthy, focused and improved 2019,” Sanchez wrote.

Sanchez was limited to just 89 games last season and finished with a dreadful .186 batting average and .697 OPS. He also was sidelined by a groin injury and criticized for a lack of hustle.

Sanchez turned 26 in early December as his incredible outburst into the Yankees lineup during the August 2016 campaign is now more of a distant memory.

Despite his struggles, general manager Brian Cashman repeatedly has stated Sanchez is the team’s starting catcher, despite Miami All-Star J.T. Realmuto remaining on the market.

Sanchez and the rest of the Yankees lineup still could get a huge boost if free agent Manny Machado ends up in The Bronx.

Machado’s future remains up in the air after he met with the Yankees at the Stadium as part of his tour that also included the White Sox and Phillies.

Machado, who has spent his entire career with the Orioles, caused a minor intrigue Monday when he began following the YES Network on Instagram then quickly unfollowed the Yankees’ TV home.

He has long said he wants to play for the Yankees, but it remains to be seen whether he is willing to take less money to end up with the Yankees if, as expected, the White Sox or Phillies offer him more money.

Machado would not only provide another standout right-handed bat to go along with Sanchez, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, but he could also fill in at shortstop for Didi Gregorius, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow that will keep him out for part — if not all — of next season.

As for the Yankees’ pitching staff, the team had scouted Japanese lefty Yusei Kikuchi, who reportedly agreed to a deal with the Mariners. The 27-year-old, represented by Scott Boras, had until Wednesday to sign a deal with an MLB team after being posted by the Seibu Lions last month. ESPN reported Monday night he agreed to a deal with the Mariners.

The Yankees already brought back southpaws CC Sabathia and J.A. Happ and acquired another lefty, James Paxton, in a trade with Seattle this offseason.