The Boston Red Sox have reportedly set their sights on a big-name free agent, and he’s a three-time World Series champion and one of the most clutch hitters in MLB postseason history.
According to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, the Red Sox are “all in” on Pablo Sandoval and are making a big push to sign him. Red Sox GM Ben Cherington said Tuesday that he met with Sandoval’s agent, Gustavo Vazquez, and had a “productive” conversation.
The appeal for Boston is obvious. Sandoval is a switch-hitter who plays third base, which was a position the Red Sox had no stability at last season. Some critics of Sandoval point to his weight and wonder how long he can play third base, but that would be fine if he signed with Boston. The Red Sox will need a designated hitter to replace David Ortiz at some point, anyway. Big Papi turns 39 next week. Sandoval is 28.
“He’s more of an American League player,” one executive reportedly told Edes. “And he can really hit.”
Vazquez has said he is seeking a six-year deal for Sandoval, and most believe the “Kung Fu Panda” will command somewhere in the range of $100 million. While the Red Sox have generally been hesitant to sign players for that many years, Sandoval would only be 34 at the end of a six-year deal.
“It’s never been a hard policy,” Cherington said of his team preferring shorter contracts. “We’ve made exceptions, and I’m sure there will be another exception. It’s a case-by-case thing. If all the boxes are checked, sure, there will be a longer term deal. It’s just as we’ve done in the past.”
Of course, Sandoval will give the Giants a chance to match any offer and might even be willing to take a small hometown discount to stay in the place where he has won three championships.
The Red Sox are also said to be the early favorites to bring back Jon Lester. After a disappointing 71-91 season and a last-place finish in the AL East, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Cherington and company go all-in to reload.
