San Francisco Giants: Pablo Sandoval comes to end of the line

The San Francisco Giants are set to release fan favorite Pablo Sandoval, putting his career in question.

It was a storybook reunion. Pablo Sandoval had returned to the San Francisco Giants, his career in tatters, the prodigal son coming home. He had departed for a significant payday, only to flame out dramatically in Boston. But back in San Francisco, Sandoval was able to find redemption, becoming a productive player once more.

That reunion came to an end on Thursday. The Giants have placed Sandoval on unconditional release waivers, ending his time with the franchise.

This decision is not much of a surprise. Sandoval had produced a mediocre .220/.278/.268 batting line in 90 plate appearances, hitting one double and one home run. His fielding had also fallen off, as Sandoval cost the Giants a run in just 18 innings at third.

There was a time when Sandoval was a productive hitter. From 2008 through 2014, he had produced a .294/.346/.465 batting line, hitting 192 doubles and 106 homers. He may not have been a power hitter, but Sandoval provided a professional at bat and had a knack for making contact.

That disappeared the second he signed his five year, $90 million contract with the Red Sox. Sandoval lasted just two and a half seasons before being being released, injuries and ineffectiveness taking away his playing time. Surprisingly, Sandoval found himself once again in San Francisco, becoming an above average bat once more in 2018 and 2019.

Perhaps, if things were different, Sandoval would have been able to play out the season in a Giants uniform. They were not expected to contend this year, which would have allowed Sandoval, and Hunter Pence for that matter, to get that last ovation from their adoring fans. But the Giants are contending for a playoff spot, they cannot afford to carry that much dead weight.

Pablo Sandoval’s time with the San Francisco Giants is at an end. At this point, one has to wonder what the future holds.