The Red Sox's interest in Pablo Sandoval was no lie. The two sides will meet in Arizona this week during the general managers' meetings. Russell Martin, another veteran free agent, is also gauging interest outside his current team.
It was reported last week that Sandoval and his agent were seeking a six-year contract, which pretty much means a $100 million deal is in their sights. Giants' general manager Brian Sabean said the team has engaged in contract talks with Sandoval and his agent, but nobody is sure how willing San Francisco is to offer him such a lucrative and lengthy contract. Sabean offered Sandoval a thee-year, $40 million extension earlier this year, but that was countered with a five-year, $90 million by the third baseman's agent. Contract talks ended there.
The fact that he's meeting with Boston is bad news for the Giants because Sandoval's agent said if they are presented with an offer they like, Sandoval will "sign fast." We know the Red Sox will not hesitate to offer the big money since they have one of the top payrolls in baseball ($112 million in 2014). Additionally, the Red Sox are in dire need of a third baseman, which really puts the Giants in a tough spot. Boston had Will Middlebrooks and youngsters Garin Cecchini and Brock Holt at the hot corner this season, and since they have young talent all over the roster (Holt, Cecchini, Xander Bogaerts, Mookie Betts, Rusney Castillo and others) it's no surprise they're looking for an experienced individual to play such a crucial position.
"They hope Will Middlebrooks develops into the power hitter they feel he can be, but they won't just hand him the job," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "The Sox don't feel Garin Cecchini is ready yet, either. Brock Holt will have a utility role, but third base is probably his weakest position."
But Sandoval isn't the only veteran scheduled to meet with other teams. Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin is expected to officially reject the team's $15.3 million qualifying offer on Monday and pursue a multi-year contract. He has already met with the Chicago Cubs, who are seeking a catcher and a starting pitcher in free agency, and he's expected to meet with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and Pirates this week.
Martin began his career with the Dodgers and spent most of his years there as a professional player. They're likely looking to upgrade at the position that A.J. Ellis has held over the past three seasons, during which he only has 26 home runs and 129 RBIs. Toronto has Dioner Navarro under contract for 2015, but they're probably looking for a long-term option being that 2014 was Navarro's first full season since 2009.
Players have until tomorrow to accept or decline their qualifying offers, and if they opt to decline they'll become free agents. Sandoval and Martin are two of these players.
