Report: Pablo Sandoval Rejects San Francisco Giants’ Qualifying Offer

Pablo Sandoval, as expected, will pursue a bigger deal on the open market.

Sandoval rejected the San Francisco Giants’ one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offer Tuesday, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. The third baseman was one of 12 players extended a qualifying offer Monday at the onset of free agency.

Sandoval, like the 11 others, had until Nov. 10 to decide whether to accept or decline the offer, which represents the average salary of the top 125 players in the majors. Major League Baseball’s one-year qualifying offer, which fluctuates annually, was set at $14.1 million last offseason.

Sandoval is considered the best third baseman available this winter. The 28-year-old hit .279 with 16 homers, 73 RBIs and a .739 OPS in 157 regular-season games in 2014.

Sandoval, whose Giants just defeated the Kansas City Royals in the World Series, hit .366 (26-for-71) with an .888 OPS during San Francisco’s playoff run, further cementing himself as a clutch performer.

Photo via Peter Aiken/USA TODAY Sports Images