San Francisco Giants: 5 best landing spots for Pablo Sandoval

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 23: Pablo Sandoval #48 of the San Francisco Giants is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring a run in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays Rogers Centre on April 23, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

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PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Nick Solak #85 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a portrait during photo day on February 17, 2019 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are having an amazing season so far.

They are also a team that prefers to not spend a ton of money on its players, so Sandoval and the remainder of his league-minimum salary would be a good fit.

In a very tough American League East, acquiring Sandoval could prove to be the difference in a tight division race.

The Giants and Rays also have a history of doing business, going back to the separate blockbuster deals that brought Matt Moore and Evan Longoria to San Francisco. Granted, that was without Farhan Zaidi running the front office.

In terms of fit, Sandoval would help Tampa Bay out mainly at third base. Christian Arroyo has been bouncing between the majors and Triple-A ever since he was acquired from the Giants, and another San Francisco farmhand, Matt Duffy, is on the injured list. There’s a clear need for some third base help.

The switch-hitting ability of Sandoval will be key in the AL East, where there’s plenty of tough starting pitching and some lethal bullpen arms.

Tampa Bay also has a good farm system, which should help Zaidi get a good return. Second baseman/outfielder Nick Solak would be an excellent addition to the Giants. He could be ready by next season and currently ranks as the team’s No. 12 prospect, according to MLB.com.