Report: Giants To Offer Pablo Sandoval $15.3 Million Qualifying Offer

Oct 22, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval hits a double against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning during game two of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

The National League champion Giants will extend a $15.3 million qualifying offer to 3B Pablo Sandoval, who is slated to be a free agent after the World Series

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Third baseman Pablo Sandoval will likely receive a $15.3 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants, marking the first step in the National League champions’ bid to keep Sandoval from hitting free agency, where he could be one of the most sought-after hitters in what could be a market bereft of quality.

Neither side had discussed an extension since the end of spring training. At the time, the Giants were interested in offering Sandoval a three-year extension, while Sandoval was looking for a contract in the neighborhood of nine figures.

The 28-year-old Sandoval made $8.25 million this season, as he bounced back from a .171 batting average in early May before finishing strong with a .279 mark and 16 homers. He is hitting .346 with six doubles and three RBI during the postseason.

It is unlikely that Sandoval will accept the offer, which would make him available in a market searching for solid production at third.

Among the teams that would interested in Sandoval would be the Red Sox, who ranked near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories and (of course) the Yankees, who are uncertain as to what to do with the returning-from-suspension Alex Rodriguez at the hot corner. Beyond Sandoval, the best free agent options at third base will be Chase Headley, who played with both the Padres and Yankees last season, and Aramis Ramirez, who hit .285-15-66 with the Brewers, but will turn 37 next summer.

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