Top ten free agents the Red Sox could pursue this offseason

Aug 9, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman

(48) at bat in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Pablo Sandoval, 3B

Sandoval would be the most expensive offensive player on this list but if the Red Sox are looking to improve their offense in a big way, then there are few better options than the fun-loving Kung Fu Panda. Barring a very strong finish from Will Middlebrooks, third base must be viewed as an area of weakness for the Red Sox, and Sandoval would be a huge upgrade at the hot corner.

Since reaching the Major Leagues with the Giants in 2008, Sandoval has been one of the best offensive third basemen in the league. His career slash line stands at .295/.347/.469, especially impressive considering that he has spent his entire career in a pitchers’ park. Sandoval is currently in the midst of a .280/.326/.431 in San Francisco and he has added 14 home runs to the Giants’ lackluster offensive attack. It’s easy to imagine the switch-hitter improving significantly in Boston as the spacious right field in Fenway Park would add doubles from the left side and the green monster would add more doubles as well as some home runs from the right side.

At 28 years old, Sandoval is young enough to potentially prove his worth over a relatively long deal. Considering his weight, however, (Sandoval stands 5’11” at 245 pounds) he could decline quickly once he passes his prime. I would be hesitant to offer a deal longer than five years, but a contract offer of something around 5 years/$90M could likely bring Sandoval to Boston and add quite a bit of power to the Red Sox lineup.