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MLB Trade Deadline 2019: Best hitters who could move

By Joshua Sadlock

DETROIT, MI - JULY 24: Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers looks to the home plate umpire after trying to score from second base on a single by Brandon Dixon during the 14th inning at Comerica Park on July 24, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Castellanos was called out on the play. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JULY 24: Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers looks to the home plate umpire after trying to score from second base on a single by Brandon Dixon during the 14th inning at Comerica Park on July 24, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Castellanos was called out on the play. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JUNE 16: Pablo Sandoval #48 of the San Francisco Giants is congratulated by teammates after he scored against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the fifth inning of a Major League Baseball game at Oracle Park on June 16, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JUNE 16: Pablo Sandoval #48 of the San Francisco Giants is congratulated by teammates after he scored against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the fifth inning of a Major League Baseball game at Oracle Park on June 16, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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.

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