7. Pablo Sandoval
The 2019 MLB season has brought about one of the most surprising and shocking rebounds in recent history. Pablo Sandoval is actually a useful big leaguer again. The San Francisco Giants third baseman landed back in his original home after being unceremoniously dumped by the Boston Red Sox in 2017. Sandoval functioned mostly as a filler platoon bat on a bad team last year, hitting .248/.310/.417 with nine home runs and 40 RBI in 92 games. In the midst of a rebuild, the Giants could easily justify keeping him around on a minimum salary.
Sandoval has been given a chance to play more often this season and is actually producing numbers on par with the best years of his career. In 93 games, he is hitting .261/.302/.500 with 12 home runs and 36 RBI. Sandoval hasn’t been a total disaster in the field, and has taken some reps at first base. His biggest strength this year has been hitting lefties to the tune of .289/.325/.474.
There are far worse trade options for a contender looking for a platoon bat than Sandoval. He’s being paid only $555,000 by the Giants with the Red Sox on the hook for over $18 million. A return to the American League would make the most sense if Sandoval is moved. In addition to his production against lefties, Sandoval also boasts an impressive postseason resume.
The Giants have made a surprise run back into playoff contention, which will likely prompt them to keep Sandoval and ride out the season. He isn’t going to fetch more than a fringe-level prospect and the fans still love them some Kung Fu Panda.