The former San Francisco Giants third baseman gets another shot with the team leading the NL East.
This past week, the San Francisco Giants opted to designate longtime third baseman Pablo Sandoval for assignment before ultimately placing him on waivers, where he went unclaimed. After four days on the open market, Sandoval has a new home…on a playoff contending team.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Sandoval signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braveson Monday. Sandoval will report to the team’s alternate site, and will be called upon when necessary.
Sandoval will provide Atlanta with depth entering the postseason
After winning three World Series titles with the Giants, Sandoval cashed in on a massive deal with the Boston Red Sox back in 2014. Sandoval failed to live up to his $90 million payday, and the Red Sox opted to release him midway through the 2017 season.
Sandoval returned to the Giants in 2017, mostly as a depth option. Earlier this year, Sandoval signed a one-year, minor league contract. Following the delayed start to the season caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Sandoval was announced as a member of the Opening Day roster.
This season, Sandoval slashed .220/.278/.268, while recording 18 hits, six RBI, five runs and one home run through 33 games.
When looking at the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres serve as the biggest threats to the Braves come postseason time. Sandoval has had a plethora of success in the playoffs, as he accumulated a .344 batting average and .935 OPS through 39 career games.
Atlanta opted to take a flier on Sandoval with the hope that he can provide a spark in their lineup. It’s a low-risk, high-reward deal for the Braves.