End of an Era: Giants Place Pablo Sandoval On Release Waivers

[Auggie]

The Giants are designating infielder Pablo Sandoval for assignment ... the move will create space for fellow veteran Justin Smoak, who signed with the Giants yesterday.

Sandoval, 34, lasted just two and a half seasons in Boston under an ill-fated five-year deal but surprised many with a resurgent showing upon returning to the Giants after being cut loose. From 2018-19, Sandoval tallied 548 plate appearances over 200 games with his original club, hitting .259/.311/.466 with 23 homers, 33 doubles and a triple. The pendulum swung in the opposite direction in 2020, however, as Sandoval has logged a miserable .220/.278/.268 slash through 90 trips to the plate.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/giants-designate-pablo-sandoval-for-assignment-dfa.html

Haven't seen him play much this year, but pundits point that his lack of bat speed and poor plate appearances (probably caused by excessive weight) has led to the DFA. Obviously this has been in the works for some time. All that was needed was for Smoak to become available.

Sandoval is loaded, of course, thanks to the Red Sox. He can retire at age 34 and never worry about money. He won't be back in a Giants uniform for sure, and perhaps any uniform at that.

Thanks for the memories.