Contract talks between third baseman Pablo Sandoval and the San Francisco Giants are rising to the point that many other teams are looking to different options at third, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. Olney also reported that, other teams are having trouble convincing Sandoval to sign anywhere other than in San Francisco. It was reported earlier this week that Sandoval wanted a six-year deal and wanted to stay in the Bay Area.
The 28-year-old has won three World Series championships, a World Series MVP, a Babe Ruth Award and is a two-time All Star. He also hit three consecutive home runs in his first three at-bats during Game 1 of the 2012 World Series against the Detroit Tigers. Sandoval was also a huge part of the Giants’ recent World Series victory, as he recorded an MLB record 26 hits in the 2014 postseason.
Sandoval has been in the league for a total of seven years, all with the Giants. He has slashed .294/.346/.465 over his career, along with 106 home runs and 462 RBI’s. On average, per season, he will put up about 20 home runs and 86 RBI’s. At the age of 28, the Panda is still a major threat every time he steps in the box against opposing pitchers.
The Giants are the favorites to bring back Sandoval, but he will certainly have plenty of suitors on the open market. He has been with the Giants ever since the slugger landed in the baseball industry as a catcher in 2004 with the Arizona League Giants. He has led the Giants to three World Series championships in the past five seasons.
It was later reported that Sandoval’s agents will meet with four different teams during the GM Meetings that begin on Monday.
Toward
C’mon Panda, Hometown Discount…