MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

Boston Red Sox: 3B Pablo Sandoval

After a very poor first season with the Red Sox in 2015 (.245/292/.366 slash-line, 10 home runs and 47 RBI over 470 at-bats), things actually got a lot worse for “Kung Fu Panda” last year. From embarrassing photos of his expanded waist line during spring training, to a seemingly convenient and severe left shoulder injury that sidelined him for good six at-bats into the season, 2016 was clearly a lost year for Sandoval.

An on-field photo emerged last summer showing how much weight Sandoval had lost during his rehab from shoulder surgery, and he reportedly showed up to spring training this year with his weight around 240 pounds. If he can sustain that dropped weight, the Red Sox did clear away some competition for Sandoval at third base by trading Travis Shaw to the Milwaukee Brewers this offseason. Time will tell if that  apparent show of faith will prove to be foolish.

Boston clearly won’t be getting their money’s worth from Sandoval, with three fully guaranteed years left on his contract at $53 million and a club option for 2020. But he is probably playing for his career this year, and if healthy and in decent physical condition Sandoval can absolutely make the Red Sox an even more dangerous offense.