March 28, 2024
The Giants
released Sandoval on Thursday.
ANALYSISSandoval hasn't played in affiliated ball since 2021 but attempted to a stage a big-league comeback this spring for San Francisco, with whom he won three World Series titles and was a two-time All-Star. The 37-year-old was always viewed as a long shot to break camp with the big club, so he didn't do himself any favors by posting a .573 OPS over his 16 Cactus League games. According to
MLB.com, Sandoval said he had no immediate plans to retire and would even be open to an assignment to Triple-A Sacramento to begin the season, but the Giants already have two other corner infielders with the affiliate (
Casey Schmitt and
David Villar) who are in need of regular playing time. If Sandoval is serious about continuing his career, he may have to look into playing in a foreign league or the independent ranks.