Pablo Sandoval’s free agency decision was about more than cold, hard cash.
Sandoval signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Boston Red Sox this offseason after spending his first seven seasons with the San Francisco Giants. The 28-year-old wanted a change of pace, even if it meant accepting a less lucrative deal.
“No. I left more money out there. I didn’t let the Giants make the final offer,” Sandoval said Tuesday on MLB Network Radio. “I just wanted to get out and try new things, try a new challenge. I just want to be a part of a new challenge.”
Sandoval’s decision wasn’t without stress. The two-time All-Star said he didn’t sleep for three days before ultimately deciding to sign with Boston. After all, he won three World Series titles over the last five seasons with San Francisco and was beloved by the franchise’s fan base.
Sandoval sounds confident in his decision to sign with the Red Sox, though. While Boston finished the 2014 season with a 71-91 record, Sandoval fully expects the club to bounce back in 2015. In fact, he predicted the Red Sox will win the American League East this season.
“The only goal I have is winning another championship, two more, three more championships,” Sandoval said. “Three World Series in five years was my goal.
“They’re doing a great job putting the offense together, trying to get more to the pitching staff. Hanley (Ramirez) does a great job moving from shortstop to left, to seize an opportunity to have more guys there. And we’ll do damage with the offense. It’s a great team, when I get to spring training I’m going to have fun out there like I always have.”
Sandoval had a good thing going on the West Coast. But the thought of playing in Boston simply was too alluring to ignore.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
