Guess who just inked a deal with an MLB team? A beloved figure among Braves fans at the start of the 2021 season has found a new home in the majors. In a surprising twist, the San Francisco Giants have opted to bring back one of their playoff stars from the 2010s: Pablo Sandoval. After spending the past couple of seasons unaffiliated with any major league club, Sandoval has returned, albeit as a non-roster invitee. While this designation doesn’t guarantee him playing time in MLB games, it’s worth noting that Sandoval made the Braves roster in 2021 under similar circumstances.
It feels like ages since Pablo Sandoval donned a Braves jersey, but his early-season heroics contributed to some crucial victories. Following a scorching April where he boasted a .300/.417/.750 slash line and launched three of his four homers in just 24 plate appearances, Sandoval’s performance cooled considerably. He wrapped up his 2021 stint with the Braves with a modest .178/.302/.342 line.
In a curious move, Braves’ GM Alex Anthopoulos orchestrated a one-for-one trade, swapping Sandoval for the injured Eddie Rosario from Cleveland. While Cleveland promptly released Sandoval, Rosario transformed into an offensive juggernaut, pivotal in the Braves’ 2021 World Series triumph.
Since departing from the Braves, Sandoval hasn’t been idle in the baseball world. He logged 28 games in the Venezuelan Winter League during the 2021-2022 season, followed by six appearances in the Caribbean Series. In 2022, he participated in 91 contests across two Mexican League teams and then played another 20 games in the Puerto Rican winter league. Most recently, Sandoval showcased his skills in Baseball United’s inaugural All-Star Showcase, culminating in a six-run homer – a remarkable feat. As he heads into Spring Training, all eyes will be on Sandoval, hoping for his success. While his stint with Atlanta may have been brief, his infectious energy left a lasting impression, setting the stage for the Braves’ triumphant 2021 campaign.
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