Sandoval hasn't played in affiliated ball since 2021 but attempted to a stage a big-league comeback this spring for San Francisco, with whom he won three World Series titles and was a two-time All-Star. The 37-year-old was always viewed as a long shot to break camp with the big club, so he didn't do himself any favors by posting a .573 OPS over his 16 Cactus League games. According to MLB.com, Sandoval said he had no immediate plans to retire and would even be open to an assignment to Triple-A Sacramento to begin the season, but the Giants already have two other corner infielders with the affiliate (Casey Schmitt and David Villar) who are in need of regular playing time. If Sandoval is serious about continuing his career, he may have to look into playing in a foreign league or the independent ranks.
Sandoval signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Saturday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.
Sandoval hasn't played in the majors since 2021, but the 37-year-old will attempt a comeback after spending the last two seasons in Mexico and Dubai. His odds of making the big-league roster are low, but perhaps the Giants add him to their bench later in the year as a farewell to a player who has spent 11 seasons with the team.
Sandoval signed a contract with the Mexican League's Acereros De Monclava on Monday.
Sandoval managed to break camp with the Braves in 2021 and slashed .178/.302/.342 with four homers and 11 RBI in 60 games. He was traded to the Indians at the deadline in a deal that sent Eddie Rosario to Atlanta, and he was cut loose immediately after. It's unclear at this point whether Sandoval will get another shot in the MLB, but at the very least, he played well enough in the Venezuelan Winter League to earn a contract for the upcoming Mexican League season. Sandoval went 8-for-24 with a home run, two RBI and two walks in six games.
Sandoval was released by Cleveland shortly after he was acquired from Atlanta on Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.
The decision to immediately cut Sandoval after acquiring him confirms that Cleveland's main motivation in trading away outfielder Eddie Rosario was to get off the hook for the money remaining on his $8 million deal. Prior to the trade, Sandoval had served mainly as a pinch hitter off the bench for Atlanta, slashing .178/.302/.342 in 86 plate appearances. The soon-to-be 35-year-old Sandoval offers little defensive value and has contributed a 67 wRC+ since the start of the 2020 season, so he could have trouble earning another opportunity in the big leagues.
Sandoval was sent from Atlanta to Cleveland in exchange for Eddie Rosario and cash considerations Friday.
Sandoval has been almost exclusively a pinch hitter in Atlanta, playing a total of five innings in the field. He's done very little of note in 86 plate appearances, hitting .178/.302/.342 with four homers. Now that he's in the American League, it's at least possible he spends some time as a designated hitter, but he's unlikely to play a significant role and unlikely to be of much interest to fantasy managers even if he earns unexpected at-bats.
Braves' Pablo Sandoval: Returns from restricted list
Rotowire
Sandoval (personal) was reinstated from the restricted list Thursday.
Sandoval was away from the team for the last two days for personal reasons. He'll return to his bench role, with reliever Jacob Webb getting optioned in a corresponding move.
... See More... See Less
Braves' Pablo Sandoval: Placed on restricted list
Rotowire
Sandoval was placed on the restricted list for a personal reason Tuesday.
Sandoval hasn't had a spot in the lineup recently, and he's gone 0-for-11 with an RBI, a run and a 3:3 BB:K as a pinch hitter since June 13. Manager Brian Snitker said Tuesday that the 34-year-old will likely rejoin the team within the next three days, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. Right-hander Jacob Webb was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move.
