Skip to content

Report: Pablo Sandoval received highest offer from Padres

Reuters

The San Diego Padres continued to ramp up their pursuit of two top free agents Saturday, reportedly outbidding the Boston Red Sox for third baseman Pablo Sandoval.

Padres general manager A.J. Preller is believed to have personally delivered the offer to Sandoval, which John Shea of the San Francisco Gate says is higher than the five-year, $95 million-contract he reportedly received from the Red Sox this week. 

San Diego's offer was described to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports as "very serious," though Shea reports that Sandoval is leaning toward accepting Boston's contract. He's expected to make a decision as early as next week, with Alex Speier of WEEI reporting that the three remaining teams - the Padres, Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants - were already asked to submit their final offers.

The first-year GM was also said to be traveling to the Dominican Republic, where the chase to secure Cuban star Yasmany Tomas is expected to intensify this week. San Diego is competing against several clubs, including the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, in its bid to land the power-hitting outfielder.

Preller is facing similar barriers in his efforts to lure Sandoval to San Diego, with the big-spending Giants and Red Sox considered top contenders to sign the three-time champion. 

If the Padres were to somehow unseat the two favorites in their bidding for Sandoval, it figures to establish a new franchise record. The previous high was the three-year, $52-million contract awarded to Jake Peavy in 2007.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox