Pablo Sandoval could be nearing the contract he desires relatively soon, but with what team will it be? An MLB executive says the Boston Red Sox are 'all in' on signing Sandoval because they're in need of a third baseman as well as a left-handed power bat.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that the market for Sandoval looks like it's narrowed down to the Giants and Red Sox, with limited interest from other clubs such as the White Sox and Blue Jays, among others. Both the Giants and Red Sox have their advantages, with San Francisco being Sandoval's incumbent team and Boston seemingly expressing their willingness to offer the third baseman whatever he wants.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington spoke with Sandoval's agent, Gustavo Vazquez, and said they had a 'constructive' conversation, meaning the two probably spoke about Sandoval wanting a six-year contract, which is expected to pay him between $90-$100 million. The 28-year-old has three World Series championships in seven seasons with the Giants and has batted .294/.346/.465 with 106 home runs and 462 RBIs over that span.
Although the Giants are probably doing all they can to retain the switch-hitting Sandoval, the Red Sox have a glaring need at third base and are in need of a power-hitter. Will Middlebrooks has played the hot corner for Boston in 226 games over the past three seasons and has just a .237 batting average with 34 home runs and 122 RBIs. The team also used youngsters Brock Holt and Garin Cecchini at third this past season, but it looks like Boston wants a more guaranteed, long-term situation to avoid having to develop a franchise player at the position.
This also explains their apparent interest in Hanley Ramirez, who is primarily a shortstop, but would be moved to third if he joined the Red Sox. It was reported yesterday that Boston (as well as Houston) jumped in with the Mariners as the teams who are interested in Ramirez, probably to hedge their bet if they lose out on Sandoval. Ramirez is 30 years old and has been hampered with injuries over the past two seasons on top of his defensive ability being a concern. The fact that the American League has the designated hitter position also increases the value of Ramirez and Sandoval because if their fielding becomes an issue (or when David Ortiz eventually retires) they can easily be used for that role.
We'll likely know more about Boston's stance once the General Managers' Meetings conclude. Much speculation arises from the meetings in Phoenix and the big free-agent decisions don't come until after they end. It's also unknown at this point where Sandoval's preference lies.
