In a somewhat surprising move, the San Francisco Giants have signed one of their legends, Pablo Sandoval, to a Minor League Contract with an invite to Spring Training this year. Pablo had a fantastic first half in 2019 but his season was cut short by Tommy John Surgery. This move will allow the Kung Fu Panda to make the team and again serve as a versatile switch hitting backup who can swing the bat who also serves as a fan favorite bringing more life into Oracle Park. If he makes the team, he will make about $2 million.
In another move that happened earlier, the Giants signed former White Sox infielder and 2019 Gold Glove Award winner Yolmer Sanchez. This is also a Minor League Contract, but the strange details of the signing include a tweet by Ken Rosenthal who said Sanchez had Major League offers, but declined them so he could have a chance to be an every day player.
Sanchez an every day player on the Giants? The Giants are a team that needs more offense — not another great fielder who hits .250 with 5 home runs. Besides, Mauricio Dubon, who hit 24 home runs between AAA and the big leagues in 2019 is in a prime position to be the every day second baseman. With Longoria, Crawford, and Belt rounding out the infield — all of whom hit better than Sanchez — where does Sanchez fit in as an every day player? Perhaps Zaidi has something up his sleeve.