Boston Red Sox rumors: Looking past Pablo Sandoval

There are several free agent “big fish” yet to be caught this offseason, including former San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval. ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reported the reigning World Series champs are favorites to resign the two time World Series champ. However, the Boston Red Sox are also still in the running for Sandoval.

According to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, an executive of another major league club said Tuesday that the Red Sox are “all in” on Panda. On a similar note, Boston’s general manager Ben Cherington appeared on MLB Network Radio to address a few key items for the offseason, one being Pablo Sandoval:

"“I think because we stated an interest in adding a left-hand bat somewhere and because theoretically third base could be a place to do that, that is sort of an obvious link between us and Sandoval. Look, he’s coming from a team that just won a World Series and is interested in keeping him, and we have to look at every alternative for that kind of guy who we’re looking to add, the left-handed hitter somewhere, and there’s different ways to do that.”"

Sandoval commands a sizable deal at the age of 28, looking for at least six years with a salary projection of $90M to $100M. The Kung Fu Panda played a career-high 157 games this season, making 150 starts at the hot corner, with a career 294/.346/.465 and .426 average in World Series play. In overall postseason action he holds a .344 batting average and .935 OPS.

It’s clear the Sox could use Sandoval, who could take over first base when Mike Napoli enters free agency in 2015 or the designated hitter spot when David Ortiz makes his move toward retirement.  Though Sandoval shines in postseason play, he could become more of an expensive liability than an pricy performer. It’s clear that weight hasn’t slowed him down – yet. It wouldn’t be the smartest move to pen Sandoval to a pricey six-figure deal only to see him become the next J.D. Drew.

There are also other options for the number five position that shouldn’t be overlooked. Free agent Chase Headley is available for pickup and though he struggled in 2014, the former San Diego Padres infielder finished the season strong. He plays a valuable third base and posted 129 OPS+ from 2011 to 2013. It’s possible the Sox could sign him for at least a year, but after he turned down a three-year extension on the upwards of $39 million, it may be more than a dream than a reality.

Will Middlebrooks and Garin Cecchini each have potential to be everyday third basemen, but neither have been able to prove their ability to perform consistently at the hot corner. Middlebrooks has suffered countless injuries and Cecchini sits on a not-so-eye-popping Triple-A performance with only 11 big league games under his belt. Cecchini’s managed .258/.361/.452 in his short time at the top, along with his first career homer and 33 doubles. Those may not be signs of him being fully prepared for extended time in The Show,  but he was one of the more thought of prospects heading into 2014 and at worst, could simply be sent back down to Tripe-A.

Should the Sox choose to take a chance with Cecchini, saved funds could point toward a better rotation. More specifically, one where Joe Kelly isn’t the most reliable starter. This is especially true given the Boston front office is expected to also go “all in” in re-signing fan-favorite former ace Jon Lester.

Should Boston sign Sandoval, there will be draft pick compensation for San Francisco. Money will be spent this winter, and should Sandoval re-sign with the Giants and Headley not be inked, Garin Cecchini may have to step up and be the next big thing.