Agent for Pablo Sandoval confirms deal with Red Sox; Giants release statement
Third baseman Pablo Sandoval has officially left the West Coast for the Boston Red Sox.
While contract terms have not yet been announced by the team, Sandoval's agent, Gustavo Vasquez, confirmed the deal to the Associated Press on Monday.
"Yes, we have an agreement with the Red Sox and we're on our way to Boston," said Vasquez.
The San Francisco Giants also released this farewell statement, thanking Sandoval for his contributions over the seven years he spent with the organization:
Pablo Sandoval has been a key member of the Giants since breaking into the majors with us in 2008. He has been with us through some of the greatest moments in San Francisco Giants history – including all three World Series championships. We will never forget his World Series MVP performance in 2012 and his numerous contributions to the 2014 championship. His connection with Giants fans – young and old – is truly special and he will be greatly missed. We wish him nothing but the best in Boston. We are extremely proud of what our team accomplished in 2014 and we look forward to continuing to invest in and strengthen our team for next season.
Sandoval informed the Giants of his decision Monday around 5:20 p.m. ET, according to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.
The 28-year-old free agent spoke to San Francisco's assistant general manager Bobby Evans and told him he was leaving for Boston.
"It was somewhat of an emotional phone call," Evans said. "He was overwhelmed with this process but said he was ready for a new challenge and wanted to inform us of that.
"He’s been such an important part and integral part of this organization for a long time. He was certainly the talked-about prospect in the system, a year or two prior to his callup. He made a big splash on the scene. All that he’s accomplished here, it was a terrific story that he wrote while he was here. It is hard. It rally hasn't sunk in yet."
Evans told Schulman that general manager Brian Sabean, team president Larry Baer and several Giants players reached out to Sandoval during the process before he made the difficult decision.
"He was really contemplating what was best for his family, the way he put it," Evans said.
Sandoval's deal with the Red Sox, pending a physical, will reportedly be for five years and close to $100 million.