Pablo Sandoval’s future with the San Francisco Giants seems to be in question after the team’s latest move.
The Giants on Thursday acquired utility man Connor Joe from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitcher Jordan Johnson. San Francisco DFAd Drew Ferguson to make room on the 40-man roster for Joe.
Joe is versatile and has experience playing first, third, and the outfield during his minor league career. A guy who could play the corners was the role Sandoval was fighting for, so having Joe around, who as a bonus can play the outfield, could mean Sandoval has no spot.
Connor Joe hit 17 homers with a .408 OBP between AA and AAA last season. He plays first, third and outfield and hits right-handed. That was to be Pablo Sandoval's role. If the Giants carry 13 pitchers, and Joe, it's hard to imagine Panda making the club.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) March 22, 2019
Carrying eight relievers, plus five starting pitchers and eight starting position players leaves the Giants with only four bench spots. They need a backup catcher for one, a fourth outfielder for another, leaving them two more spots. They probably want a guy who can play middle infield for one of the other bench spots, leaving just one more spot left. If it’s between Sandoval and Joe, Sandoval’s ability to play catcher is a plus, but Joe being better as an outfielder might be more useful.
We’ll see how things play out, but things are looking shaky for the guy who once signed a 5-year, $95 million deal with the Red Sox.
