Giants Reportedly Bring Back Pablo Sandoval on Minor-League Deal
By Mark Powell
As the San Francisco Giants embark on a retooling of sorts, a familiar face will remain in the dugout despite the departure of future Hall of Fame manager Bruce Bochy.
Pablo Sandoval, who starred on three Giants World Series teams, is expected to re-sign by the Bay on a minor-league deal with major league expectations.
Pablo Sandoval back to #SFGiants. 2M minors deal. Plus 750 incentives. Expected to make team assuming OK (had TJ surgery)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 29, 2020
Sometimes, familiarity is everything. The Kung Fu Panda was pursued by both the Mets and Phillies, which would've required another move to the East Coast -- a move that didn't end well for Sandoval when he relocated to Boston.
Sandoval is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he's expected to be ready for Spring Training in hopes of making San Francisco's MLB roster, which he's favored to do.
The year is 2042.
— Wick Terrell (@wickterrell) January 29, 2020
Pablo Sandoval retires as a columnist from The Athletic after 20 years, those 20 years coming immediately after a retiring from a storied career on the diamond.
The headline announcing his retirement:
Panda, Ex-Press https://t.co/SaSVTizMBZ
Panda's taken a step back to being a part-time player at this stage of his career, as he played in only 108 games last season, his most since 2015 due to a multitude of injuries. In a DH-less National League, his options are limited, but surely the Giants can find a place for him on a roster still a few years away from contending once again.