The Pablo Sandoval sweepstakes might be more than a two-horse race.
The Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants have been mentioned throughout the offseason as two potential suitors for Sandoval. But the San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox also are interested in the free-agent third baseman, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman.
The Padres’ interest in Sandoval is an interesting development. San Diego desperately needs offense, particularly at third base, as the Padres ranked 28th in the majors with a .613 OPS from the position. Sandoval’s name hadn’t really been mentioned in connection with the Friars, though. Instead, it sounded like Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas was going to be San Diego’s primary offseason target.
Tomas is an outfielder, but his agent said recently he also could play third base. Sandoval, meanwhile, is a known commodity.
Sandoval is coming off a season in which he hit .279 with 16 homers, 73 RBIs and a .739 OPS. The 28-year-old hit .366 (26-for-71) with an .888 OPS in the postseason while helping the Giants win their third World Series in five years.
Sandoval is a .344 hitter (53-for-154) with six homers, 20 RBIs and a .935 OPS in 39 career playoff games. He’s hitting .426 (20-for-47) with three homers, eight RBIs and a 1.162 OPS in 12 career World Series contests.
Sandoval is expected to visit Boston this week, according to Heyman, though no exact day has been set.
Photo via Peter Aiken/USA TODAY Sports Images
