Red Sox make formal offer to Pablo Sandoval

According to reporter Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have officially extended a 5 year/$95M offer to free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval.

Sandoval visited Boston this week and he and his agent Gustavo Vazquez were reportedly impressed by Boston’s “attentiveness” as the team really rolled out the red carpet for the Kung Fu Panda. However, even after his visit, which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Red Sox had held back from making an offer until yesterday.

While the race for Sandoval’s services was rumored to be down to the Red Sox and Giants this week, it appears that some other teams have entered on the periphery. A report from FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal indicates that the Padres have joined the Sandoval sweepstakes and are a major contender, willing to offer a similar contract to Boston’s offer in the 5 year/$90-95M range, as are the Giants. The White Sox and Blue Jays are also dark horse contenders but are less likely destinations than Boston, San Francisco, or San Diego.

The Red Sox’ interest in Sandoval this offseason has been well-documented as he and Jon Lester, to whom they offered a deal in the 6 year/$110-120M range, have appeared to mark their two largest targets of the offseason thus far. Sandoval would fill a major need for the Red Sox, who have no viable third base options on the team right now, with little help on the way except Garin Cecchini, who may have to move to the outfield due to defensive concerns. 5 years and $95M is a significant contract but the Red Sox have plenty of payroll space and a Sandoval signing would fill a major need for the team.