SF Giants legend Pablo Sandoval returns to familiar territory for 2025

Pablo Sandoval's long career as a pro will continue in 2025. The SF Giants legend is returning to the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League according to the league's transaction page.

SF Giants legend Pablo Sandoval returns to familiar territory for 2025

Sandoval appeared in Giants camp last month as a surprise guest instructor. His energy is infectious and the type of personality the Giants want in spring training, especially around the younger players.

Prior to this, the veteran bat had been playing with the Mid East Falcons of Baseball United in Dubai. That league features plenty of former major leaguers.

It is hard to believe, but it was not that long ago when Sandoval was in Giants camp as a non-roster invitee. That was in 2024. The chances of him making the roster were slim, but it was a fun story to follow.

Sandoval did get one more opportunity to be embraced by the Giants fanbase in the final exhibition games of the year. However, they did not have enough room to keep him in the minors, so he was released.

The 15-year veteran decided to continue his career in the Atlantic League last season. That has become a popular landing spot along with the American Association, Frontier League, and Pioneer League.

There are fewer opportunities in affiliated ball with each team's headcount being reduced to 165 during the season, so this has allowed players to continue their playing career while facing off against quality competition.

Sandoval showed a knack for hitting, as he has done in the past. With the FerryHawks last season, he slashed .248/.314/.362 with 10 home runs, 79 RBI, and 58 runs in 528 plate appearances.

The longtime Giants fan favorite saw time at his traditional positions, including third base and first base. Third base was his primary position with Staten Island. However, he did see some time on the mound as well toward the end of the year.

Giants fans were eager to see Sandoval pitch during his time with San Francisco. He did make two scoreless appearances on a major league mound, but he tallied 7.1 more scoreless innings in the Atlantic League last season. This may be hard to believe, but Sandoval has not given up an earned run on a pro mound yet. Undoubtedly, he will be an attraction for fans to see, but maybe he will get another shot at pitching, too.