Padres bid on Sandoval (Red Sox, Giants also in), then visit Tomas
Pablo Sandoval apparently is weighing offers from the Red Sox, Giants and Padres. (Getty Images)The Padres, a surprise big player this winter, made what was termed a 'very serious' offer for star free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval, and new Padres GM A.J. Preller is believed to have hand-delivered that Sandoval bid en route to the Dominican Republic, where he continued his spirited dual pursuit of Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas.
The Padres' offer keeps them in a three-way high-stakes game with the big-market Red Sox and champion Giants. However, most folks still see them as a long shot vs. two high-revenue teams, including San Francisco, where Sandoval already has won three World Series rings.
It's something of a surprise the small-market Padres are bidding on one big-time player, much less two, considering the biggest contract in their history is for $52 million. And that would be much less than either of these two big-time talents will wind up getting. The Braves and Phillies also are seen among the bigger players for Tomas, though the Giants are expected to become more involved should Sandoval go elsewhere.
The Giants are still seen as having a decent chance to retain Sandoval, though some were expecting a decision by the weekend. The latest word is Sandoval probably will take into next week to choose the winner. The White Sox and Jays are among other teams to show interest.
The Red Sox are believed to have offered Sandoval $95 million over five years, as Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported. The Giants are thought to be in there with a very competitive bid for Sandoval, who enhanced his cause by burnishing a big October rep with a perfect Game 7 (3 for 3, on base four times in the Giants' 3-2 victory at Kansas City). Sandoval also traveled to Boston for a visit this week with Red Sox higher-ups.
Seemingly intent in improving San Diego's offense, Preller was in Miami on Friday, according to MLB.com, and apparently met with Sandoval agent DaGustavo Vazquez, and possibly Sandoval himself. Sandoval is staying in South Florida this winter.
>> Who is going where in MLB? Free Agency Tracker
Post a Comment for "Padres bid on Sandoval (Red Sox, Giants also in), then visit Tomas"