MLB Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox Take Giant Leap Forward In Pablo Sandoval Sweepstakes

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By @MichaelTerrill

Pablo Sandoval

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It was not long ago that the Boston Red Sox made it known they were going to do whatever it takes to sign free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval. Red Sox fans can feel at ease as the organization partially made good on that promise late Friday night.

Boston reportedly offered Sandoval a five-year deal worth $95 million. If fans are wondering why it is $5 million less than what Sandoval’s agent wants his client to receive, it is because the Red Sox can only handle five years at $95 million under the luxury tax threshold. Still, one can only assume that will not prevent Kung Fu Panda from signing with the storied franchise, especially when hero David Ortiz busts out the red carpet and treats him to dinner.

The Red Sox are eager to sign Sandoval for several reasons. For starters, he is a talented player at a position of absolute need. Even more importantly, he is the clear successor for Ortiz as the next great designated hitter in Boston.

Sandoval’s ability to hit will allow him to have future success in a league that has a designated hitter. For that reason, he should truly consider the American League as his new home. In nine career games as a designated hitter, he has posted a .235 batting average with one home run and four runs batted in. Even though that is not a lot of information to go off of, there is no denying that he has the build to be the perfect DH once his defensive skills begin to diminish.

An even bigger reason why Boston wants to see Sandoval on their team for the next five to six years is because he is a proven winner with a lot of success in the postseason. Yes, the three championships are the telling story. However, it is his .344 batting average, six home runs and 20 RBI in 39 playoff games that really has eyes wide open in the Red Sox organization. Putting a player of that caliber on the same team as Ortiz, who also dominates in the postseason, has a great chance to be devastating for opponents.

At this point, it comes down to whether the San Francisco Giants will match Boston’s offer. Personally, I cannot imagine the Giants shoveling out $100 million for a guy who will continue to struggle with weight gain as he gets older. With that said, Sandoval is a big reason for San Francisco’s World Series success.

For now, a good guess is Sandoval will sign with the Red Sox for the simple reason that it will be the best offer he receives.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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