Report: San Francisco Giants to sign Pablo Sandoval to minor league deal

IT (could be) HAPPENING SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS FANS. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I REPEAT, NOT. A. DRILL. PABLO SANDOVAL IS  (maybe) A GIANT AGAIN. Ok, it’s just a report. BUT IT MIGHT BE HAPPENING

News broke just around 5:30 pacific that the San Francisco Giants are going re-sign “The Kung-Fu Panda.” Pablo Sandoval was released by the Red Sox earlier today. According to MLB.Com’s Jesse Sanchez, the Giants will sign him once his contract passes through waivers. There are conflicting reports though, and those are addressed farther down the page.

This move would come as a bit of a surprise, as it seemed like the thought of Pablo Sandoval in a Giants uniform had surely set and sailed. But the poor play of Sandoval, led the Red Sox to DFA him after two years and change at Fenway Park.

Sandoval was signed coming off one of the most historic hitting postseasons ever, though it was overshadowed by Madison Bumgarner‘s even more historic postseason run. Sandoval was supposed to be the heir to David Ortiz‘s throne once Big Papi retired. In turn, that ship has completely sailed.

There is a good chance that Pablo Sandoval will never be up to the level he peaked at in 2014. But, even if he could come in and earn good playing time, and provide good hitting off the bench, the Giants would surely be happy.

There is, however, conflicting reports. From Marly Rivera with ESPN:

According to Pablo, he has multiple offers, the Giants are one of them, and he will reportedly make matters official on Friday. However, it seems like the Giants are front runners given their history with Pablo.

Whether or not this actually happens remains to be seen, but it could be as simple as it was the best offer his agent could get, and his agent hasn’t even talked to Sandoval? Who knows. Stay tuned though, as we’ll keep you updated on the entire situation.

(Last Update: 7/19 at 6:58 PM)

Next: Red Sox interested in Eduardo Nunez

We probably wouldn’t see him for at least a couple weeks or so. Chris Cotillo says he’ll start in Sacramento.  But I guess it’s time to break out the Panda Hats again. Maybe it’s an attempt to get people back in the seats since this season is already over? Who knows. It is puzzling, but I guess the Giants would’ve been the best bet to take a flier on a reclamation project with Pablo.