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Red Sox DFA Pablo Sandoval with multiple years remaining on his contract

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For as bad as things have gone for the 2017 Giants, they could be going a whole lot worse. When Pablo Sandoval left for Boston in the offseason following San Francisco’s third World Series victory, it was reported that the Giants offered even more money than the 5 year, $95 million that the Red Sox gave to the third baseman.

The fans and front office alike have taken deep sighs of relief with nearly every bit of Sandoval news that’s come out of Boston since, as the Venezuelan has struggled his way to a .237 batting average and just 14 home runs in 161 games over two and a half seasons with the Sox. After an unproductive 2015, Sandoval missed all but three games last season with an injury and was on his way to another underwhelming campaign this year. On Friday, though, the Red Sox decided to cut ties with their expensive mistake.

Sandoval’s contract still runs through at least the 2019 season, with a team option for 2020 that has a $5 million buyout. He’s only about halfway through his deal, so the dead money (nearly $50 million) will be a huge price to pay for the Red Sox. In fact, it’s nearly unprecedented.

He is currently in the midst of rehabbing from an ear infection, but his return to the big leagues was expected to be imminent. Sandoval struggled in both AAA and the majors this season, hitting .212 in 32 games with the Red Sox and .221 in 20 games in the minors. No one will claim Sandoval off waivers, and it’s doubtful that he and the Red Sox will want anything other than a clean break when he does eventually clear waivers.

So, it’s time to cue the inevitable Sandoval-to-Giants rumors. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports said that although he hasn’t heard anything concrete, a reunion wouldn’t shock him.

The Giants have had a revolving door at third base this season, but it’s been more due to injury than lack of viable options. Jae-gyun Hwang is currently holding down the position as Eduardo Nunez and Christian Arroyo (in AAA) are both dealing with injuries. It would take a slump from Hwang and a trade of Nunez for Sandoval to make much sense, because in a season like this San Francisco would be better served to give younger players at bats. But hey, if Bobby Evans and company want to take a sentimental flier on Sandoval at a dirt-cheap price, they may decide to do so. It’s sure to cost a lot less than $95 million.