With at least three teams giving serious pursuit, free-agent slugger/third baseman Pablo Sandoval will choose next week among his present team, the Giants, and prospective suitors Padres and Red Sox, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, and Boston just might be the frontrunner.
The Red Sox have offered Sandoval a five-year contract worth $95 million, according to The Boston Globe. San Diego’s offer is said to be higher – possibly in the six-year, $100 million range – but the prize free agent is still more likely to pick the Red Sox, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, and it would seem a good fit.
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Sandoval would represent a major offensive upgrade for the Red Sox. The career .294 hitter, who had 16 homers and 73 RBI this past season, is especially good against right-handed pitching, and the Green Monster would seem an attractive target.
The Red Sox have pursued Sandoval since the start of free agency, and he arrived in Boston Monday night, had dinner with designated hitter David Ortiz, and according to a club source, met with team officials Tuesday before leaving the next day.
The Red Sox also have the financial flexibility under the luxury tax threshold to accommodate a premium contract. But given the weight issues that have saddled Sandoval during the last few seasons, the Red Sox aren’t expected to go for the six-year deal that the player’s agent, Gustavo Vasquez, said the player is seeking.
Sandoval has been a big part of the Giants’ success in recent years, helping San Francisco win the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014.
Still, the Giants did not discourage him from testing the free-agency waters while still holding out hope he would re-sign, with assistant general manager Bobby Evans telling the San Francisco Chronicle last Thursday: “I think the interest is sincere. I think Pablo loves this fan base as much as any player loves a fan base, and that could go a long way.”
Should Sandoval leave the Giants after seven stellar seasons, the team reportedly will turn its attention to Yasmany Tomas.
The 28-year-old Venezuelan-born Sandoval has spent his seven-year career with San Francisco. But he declined a qualifying offer after the World Series, and last spring turned down a three-year $40 million extension.
Toronto showed early interest in Sandoval, but as the bidding intensified, the Blue Jays seemed to back off, turning their attention to other free agents.
WHITE SOX: Chicago had one of the majors’ most powerful right-handed bats last season in Jose Abreu. Now the White Sox are hoping Adam LaRoche can help balance their lineup.
LaRoche has agreed to a contract with the White Sox, according to The Associated Press.
LaRoche is likely to see most of his time at designated hitter. Abreu is entrenched at first after the Cuban slugger hit .317 with 36 homers and 107 RBI in 145 games, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award.
LaRoche, who turned 35 on Nov. 6, gives the White Sox needed power from the left side. He hit .259 with 26 homers and 92 RBI in 140 games this year for NL East champion Washington. He has 243 career homers and 838 RBI in 11 years.
But LaRoche has spent almost his entire career in the National League, save for six games for Boston in 2009. Now it looks as if he will have to make the adjustment to regular DH duties.
It was the second big addition for the White Sox last week. They bolstered their bullpen on Tuesday with a $15 million, three-year contract for lefty Zach Duke, who was 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA in a career-high 74 appearances for Milwaukee.
CUBS: Catcher Henry Blanco is returning as quality assurance coach.
Blanco becomes the first hire on new Manager Joe Maddon’s staff, taking the vacancy created when Jose Castro departed to become the Braves’ assistant hitting coach.
Blanco spent last year as a coach with the Diamondbacks after a 16-year playing career.
DODGERS-DIAMONDBACKS DEAL: Los Angeles acquired right-handed pitcher Mike Bolsinger from Arizona for cash.
The 26-year-old Bolsinger made his debut last season. He had nine starts and one relief appearance for Arizona, going 1-6 with a 5.50 ERA.
The Dodgers designated lefty Jarret Martin for assignment. The 25-year-old reliever spent the season in Double-A.
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