The Braves have signed infielder Pablo Sandoval to a minor league contract, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports (via Twitter). Sandoval will earn $1MM if he makes Atlanta’s active roster.
Sandoval is back in Atlanta after first joining the Braves on a minors deal in September. The team brought the Panda aboard to add depth given the Braves’ lack of third base production, and Sandoval ended up appearing in one regular-season game and then three NLCS games (as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement) in an Atlanta uniform. Since the Braves are still hoping for a breakout from Austin Riley and a rebound from Johan Camargo, it makes sense that Sandoval would again be brought back as a depth option.
If he breaks camp, the 34-year-old Sandoval will appear in his 14th Major League season and continue a career that has already delivered plenty of memorable moments. Best known for his long tenure in San Francisco, Sandoval was part of three World Series championship teams, and won Series MVP honors in 2012. He hasn’t been a true everyday player since 2014 (the final year of his initial tenure with the Giants), but Sandoval has at times been a productive part-timer and bench bat. As recently as 2019, Sandoval hit .268/.313/.507 with 14 home runs over 296 plate appearances for the Giants.
the panda lives
Panda Express
The Kung Poo Panda can afford to play for 1 million after all the money he stole from the Red Sox for years.
@Randy, if I’m not mistaken, the Sox, offered him the 95MM contract and he accepted it. I understand why Red Sox fans loathe the Panda (whereas in SF his production over all the years makes him a lifelong Giants’ hero), but that doesn’t mean he stole a thing. I was rather happy that in 2018-19 you all were paying him to play for us! But,
That’s on you (well, not really you) and the Red Sox brass. I doubt Sandoval will break camp with the Braves, but either way, I wish him the best.
Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez, Rusney Castillo, and Allen Craig were the reason Ben Cherington got fired. He was good at building the farm system, but atrocious with trades free agents! It was a combined $296.5 million in contracts.
Even the guys he signed pre-2013 were only good in 2013. 2014 and 2015 they bonded too.
I agree with giantsphan @Randy comment. When a team heavily recruits a player and the player signs a contract they offer, the player did not steal anything. And in fairness to Ben Cherington the Giants were after Panda also.
The Red Sox thought it was a great idea to sign a 30 yr old 300 lb 3rd baseman. What could possibly go wrong??? Not his fault for agreeing with them.
@stat, Right? Not Panda’s fault! Your comment made me literally laugh out loud. Thank you! I needed the laugh!!
@RandyRedSox
Because Red Sox fans suck so much now, this statement makes me smile.
Shuddup that is mean spirited to say bout the fans.
Xactly!!!!!!!
I have no comment.
That is patently false.
You caught me in an obvious lie.
Every Buffet restaurant in Gwinette is now for sale.
And Fulton
At least he can field unlike Riley
I don’t get the hate on Riley defense…he’s made way more athletic plays at 3B than bad errors from what I remember. Numbers might say otherwise tho
Look at his defensive metrics -17 drs
He’s fine in the field. The dude can field what he can reach… range definitely is limited and shifting position to position doesn’t help either. But he’s fine…
What are you talking about, 1979? His DRS was -7 in 2020 at 3rd base and better at other positions. Where are you getting -17?
He can’t reach after eating lunch n dinner.
Riley’s always been a 1B stuck behind a superior 1B. AA is dumb for keeping him when he’d be a fine everyday 1B on so many teams.
His bat CAN be so elite at times, it’s challenging to give up on that all in the name of someone blocks him at first. When he’s on, he’s out of this world amazing… problem is, when he’s off he’s out of this world bad.
Eh, he hasn’t shown consistency at the plate yet but I think he could be a good first baseman for someone.
Before the entire comment section makes fun of Atlanta for making this move, just as recently as 2019 he was a solid hitter and great bench bat. Could work out in their favor being a minors deal.
It’s a minor league deal. No one should make fun of this move. It has 0 risk involved.
Good point
bingo
Talk to Boston fans about his solid hitting. I’ve never seen another hitter break their belt with a swing!
It’s fine if it’s not the only move this offseason offensively… but the writing is on the wall. I fear nothing is coming for Braves fans. Happened at the trade deadline, happening now
here comes the Front office apologists….you wait lol. Joking aside I sincerely hope they find a clean-up hitter bat to protect Freddie…someway, somehow
Nothing is coming… Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly exist my dude.
Hence why I said offensively …
I could see Braves going after Eddie Rosario for LF if they miss on Ozuna.
I truly think they have left the Ozuna market … Rosario would be nice, but I just don’t see it happening
I could see them trading for Andrew Benintendi
I hope not!
I can see it also
Braves already had a great offseason in a time when the majority of teams are doing nothing. Morton and Smyly.
@Von
I don’t even expect they are done. I think they will get Rosario or some other decent bat on a 1 or 2 year deal. Been an alright off-season bit I don’t think they are done. The biggest hole and biggest need is someone to hit behind Freeman.
Of course they are not done captain obvious
Still need a closer or at the very least another bullpen arm or 2
Need a LF Or 3B middle of the order bat
And we need some bench depth
Hey Toronto fans was AA always this calculated and patient ???
For some reason I just believe he is going to pull off a major blockbuster out of the blue that will shake up the baseball world. Similar to the Reyes/Buehrle/Johnson trade in his Blue Jay days.
@Steelersbravesnation
I don’t know if you were referring me to captain obvious but I was just responding to what Von was saying. There’s no need for the sarcasm buddy. We were just having a discussion about additions this far.
Yes, von … it was a great offseason for the Braves in the pitching market. But in my statement I spoke specifically about offense, which there hasn’t been any good moves yet this offseason. We can all agree there are major needs for the bat. But Braves Mgmt has proven in previous offseason that they likely won’t sign anyone to a multiple year deal and this past trade deadline proved that just because we have a need doesn’t mean the Braves will address it.
Insurance for the DH position
Perhaps he has bonded with another animal at the nearby zoo?
(Note, this is a “Panda” nickname joke).
I’m bearish on that one.
Hahaha!
This should be a Bull market for the comments.
Braves gonna brave
Buffet joints in Atlanta rejoice. SandOVAL is right.
Um, why would they rejoice? The buffet owners are probably suicidal.
Will AA ever sign any good FA to a long term deal or win a ring? Survey says: nope.
Will Smith says hi.
Weigh him.
Watch him.
Then form an opinion.
The have to tranquilize him before weighing him for his handlers’ safety.
Despite the fact this is a low risk, minors deal I wouldn’t have made this move if I was AA simply due to the optics. It makes Braves fans say, “Is this what we are? Is this where we are?” Only way this is semi-digestible is if it’s followed up with a SIGNIFICANT signing like Ozuna or another legit middle of the order bat.
if you worry about optics of signing a guy for your AAA team then you aren’t qualified to be a GM unless said player is a legitimately horrible person or something to that effect.
“Should I make this move with 0 downside that could make my team better? Or should I not do it because some dumb fan somewhere may get his panties in a wad?”
-What GMs must think in your delusion head
It’s a minor league offer. You’re reading way too much into it. I’m a Braves fan, and I literally had none of those thoughts.
Really, who cares what fans think? I can appreciate a front office that can be competitive while leaving the emotion on the field. Bad optics? He was on the 2020 team and you’re only paying basically his airfare and traveling expenses if he doesn’t make the team.
Wow.
He’ll flop, then again say it’s because he misses San Francisco.
Belly-flop am I right? Haha
I don’t get all the Sandoval hate. It’s a minor league deal he isn’t guaranteed anything.
Prolly because he’s a sleaze taking good money n not able to perform for what he was being paid for.
Well I guess we don’t need to explore a J-Ram trade any further.
“Joke GM signs Panda!”.
youtube.com/watch?v=uDYZLwlaZtg
yes, a joke for signing a Minor League deal. totally.
“Did we get Brandon Belt?”
“No, we got Breaka Belt!’ LOL.
It’s funny because he’s fat.
body shame him all you want, but he’s been more successful as an athlete then anyone in this comment section.
Is there an award for pearl clutching?
Let Pablo Pitch!!!!!
If you guys keep giving him hope, he won’t retire.
Smart move. Sandoval gives Braves more options, versatility, experience and leadership.
Riley and Camacho haven’t been able to take advantage of their opportunities. This could be the end for Riley and Camargo if they can’t prove they can produce in spring training.
Some people keep making fun of Panda because of his weight. I just ask those people how many World Series have they ever won? What’s their lifetime batting average? Heck, 100 tries, do you think you could get a base hit just once off a ML pitcher?
I hear banjos.
Could make for a decent platoon with Reilly at 3B and can spell Freddie at 1B. If the NL has a DH next year this could be a huge bargain for the Braves
I’m baffled Darren O’day, Shane Greene, and Melancon are still FAs. Is it just me, or does Braves bullpen looks super susceptible? I’m not hating on the Panda signing; I just think the urgency of replenishing this bullpen is critical.
What are you all talking about Riley is the 3B unless AA gets a .3B & then he will be the LF.
Panda is pure bench piece at this point
Veteran leadership for the Latin players & a PH possible DH option maybe give Freddie/Riley a day off once in awhile
It’s a Minor League deal he is not coming in taking anybody’s starting role
He is essentially Charlie 2.0
In this day and age a million dollars is chicken feed for any MLB club, Sandavol is nothing to loose and if needed anything he does away from the dinner table is a win.
I still think O’day was well worth the few million to keep in the bullpen.
I’m just glad he’s not on the giants.
All day thinking and I still think Trey Mancini is the best option to get. Orioles looking to trim payroll and he can play an adequate LF and we got the prospects the Orioles would I feel be interested in.
Gonna still have Ender on the team and he could be late inning defensive replacement and if the DH stays even all the better. He can give Freddie some rest here & there.
I would love for the Tigs to trade for him. I know the timing is off (unlike ATL), but I like Trey a lot.
Obese Americans rejoice! Yay! They can also claim to be “athletes!” We’re #1, We’re #1…in obesity!
Looking forward to the Prince Fielder signing.
I agree that Henry Aaron had a better baseball career than Joe DiMaggio. However Joe married (and ended up divorced) Marilyn Monroe. Just saying……
Any guy who sports full-cut size 40 pants and makes the majors, is an automatic idol and icon among the beer swilling and pizza (Double cheese, of course!_) crowd.
PS Size 40s may be on the low side.
Panda should prove to be a ton of fun, for the braves