:Pablo Sandoval

{{Short description|Venezuelan-American baseball player (born 1986)}}

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Pablo Sandoval

|image = Pablo Sandoval from the Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park, April 7th, 2021 (All-Pro Reels Photography) (51105526639) (cropped).jpg

|image_size =

|caption = Sandoval with the Atlanta Braves in 2021

|team = Staten Island FerryHawks

|number = 48

|position = Third baseman

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|8|11}}

|birth_place = Puerto Cabello, Venezuela

|bats = Switch

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = August 14

|debutyear = 2008

|debutteam = San Francisco Giants

|statyear = 2021 season

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .278

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 153

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 639

|teams =

San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2008}}–{{mlby|2014}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2017}})
San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2020}})
Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2020}}–{{mlby|2021}})

|awards =

2× All-Star (2011, 2012)
3× World Series champion ({{wsy|2010}}, {{wsy|2012}}, {{wsy|2014}})
World Series MVP ({{wsy|2012}})

}}

Pablo Emilio Sandoval Reyes (born August 11, 1986) is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball third baseman for the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves. He stands {{convert|5|ft|10|in|m}} tall, and weighs {{convert|268|lb|kg|abbr=}}.{{Cite web |last=Mohr |first=Dani |date=July 6, 2020 |title=Heavy Pablo Sandoval photo doesn't have Giants laughing |url=https://nypost.com/2020/07/06/pablo-sandovals-weight-gain-of-no-concern-to-giants-gabe-kapler/ |access-date=July 22, 2020 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}} Nicknamed "Kung Fu Panda", Sandoval is a two-time All-Star and has won three World Series championships with the Giants. He hit three home runs in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series, becoming the fourth player to hit three home runs in a World Series game, leading to his being named that year's World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP). During the offseason, Sandoval plays for the Navegantes del Magallanes of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (VPBL).

In 2002, Sandoval was signed by the San Francisco Giants. Sandoval worked his way through the minor leagues and debuted with the Giants in 2008, batting .345 in 41 games. Capable of playing first base, third base, and catcher, he became the Giants' starting third baseman in 2009, ceasing to catch that year and playing first base only occasionally. In 2009, Sandoval finished second in All-Star Final Vote balloting, batting .330 with 25 home runs and 90 runs batted in (RBIs) in his first full season in the majors. However, Sandoval struggled in 2010 and was benched during the playoffs for the 2010 World Series, which the Giants won. He lost weight before 2011 and hit .315 with 23 home runs in 117 games. Injuries limited Sandoval to 109 games in 2012, but he was selected to his second-straight All-Star Game. Then, in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series, Sandoval joined Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, and Albert Pujols as the only players to hit three home runs in a World Series Game. For his contributions, Sandoval was named the World Series Most Valuable Player, as the Giants swept the Detroit Tigers. In 2013, he appeared in 141 games, batting .278, with 14 home runs, and 79 RBIs.

A free agent after the 2014 season, Sandoval signed a five-year contract with the Red Sox that offseason. Due to poor performance, the Red Sox released him in 2017. Sandoval then re-signed with the Giants, but the Red Sox remained responsible for paying his salary through the end of the 2019 season.

Early life

Sandoval was born to Pablo Sr. and Amelia Sandoval{{Cite news |last=Schulman |first=Henry |date=March 8, 2009 |title=All the comforts of far-away home |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/All-the-comforts-of-far-away-home-3169707.php |url-status=live |access-date=March 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102075311/https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/All-the-comforts-of-far-away-home-3169707.php |archive-date=November 2, 2012}} in Puerto Cabello, Carabobo, Venezuela.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval Stats, Bio, Photo, Highlights |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/pablo-sandoval-467055 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715025143/https://www.mlb.com/player/pablo-sandoval-467055 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=June 1, 2010 |website=MLB.com}} He grew up an avid baseball fan, following the careers of Omar Vizquel and Andrés Galarraga. He practiced baseball in an empty two-car garage with his older brother, Michael. His favorite players were Omar Vizquel (later his teammate on the Giants) and Andrés Galarraga. He was born left-handed, but wanted to be able to play shortstop like Vizquel. Thus, at nine, he taught himself to throw right-handed as well. He can still throw with both hands, but throws right-handed during games.

Professional career

=Minor leagues=

Sandoval received notice from scouts in 2002, when he went to the Dominican Republic for a scouting tournament. A scout for the Texas Rangers told Sandoval he would come to Venezuela to sign him, but he did not show up. After two weeks, Ciro Villalobos, a scout for the San Francisco Giants, offered Sandoval a contract, and he signed. Sandoval began his professional career as a catcher in 2004 with the rookie AZL Giants, hitting .266 with no home runs and 26 runs batted in (RBI) in 177 at bats.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval Minor League Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sandov001pab |access-date=July 18, 2014 |website=Baseball-Reference.com (Minors)}}

In 2005, he was used almost entirely as a third baseman while playing for the Single-A short season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. He hit .330 (second in the Northwest League to Mike Mooney's .342) with three home runs and 50 RBIs (one behind Luis Valbuena's total).{{Cite web |title=2005 Northwest League Batting Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=2beaae8d |access-date=July 18, 2014 |website=Baseball-Reference.com (Minors)}} His batting average slumped in 2006 to .265. He had one home run and 49 RBIs with the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets of the South Atlantic League that year, splitting time between first and third base. In 2007, he played for the Single-A advanced San Jose Giants, hitting .287 with 11 homers and 52 RBIs. That season, he was used as a catcher and first baseman, and he helped San Jose win the California League championship.

In 2008, he spent time with two minor league teams, San Jose and the Double-A Connecticut Defenders of the Eastern League, before being called up to the majors. In 273 at bats for San Jose, he hit .359 with 12 home runs and 59 RBIs. In 175 at bats with Connecticut, he hit .337 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs. In total, he hit .350 with 20 home runs and 96 RBIs in 2008.

=San Francisco Giants (2008–2014)=

==2008==

File:Pablo Sandoval.jpg

Sandoval was called up to the Majors on August 13, 2008.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=August 13, 2008 |title=Giants add young trio to lineup |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080813&content_id=3301994&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |access-date=September 23, 2011 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB |archive-date=August 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080816030319/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080813&content_id=3301994&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead }} He debuted the next day, going 0-for-3 in a 7–4 loss to the Houston Astros. In his first Major League Baseball (MLB) plate appearance, he hit an RBI sacrifice fly.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=August 14, 2008 |title=Giants watch finale slip away in Houston |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080814&content_id=3307576&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |access-date=July 21, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He got his first hit against Mike Hampton in the second inning of his next game, August 16, on his way to going 3-for-5 in an 11–5 loss to the Atlanta Braves.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=August 17, 2008 |title=Palmer stumbles as Giants fall |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080816&content_id=3319447&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |access-date=July 22, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In 41 games in 2008, he hit .345 with three home runs and 24 RBI, striking out 14 times and grounding into six double plays in 154 at-bats. He hit his first MLB home run on August 27 off Liván Hernández in a 4–1 triumph over the Colorado Rockies.{{Cite web |last=Georgatos |first=Dennis |date=August 28, 2008 |title=Lincecum lowers ERA to Majors' best |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080827&content_id=3377903&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

On defense, Sandoval was used at first base, at third base, and at catcher.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval 2009 Batting Gamelogs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=sandopa01&t=b&year=2009 |access-date=July 22, 2014 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}} Teammate Barry Zito gave Sandoval the nickname "Kung Fu Panda"{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=February 10, 2009 |title=For ballplayers, what's in a (nick)name? |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090206&content_id=3804552&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104194832/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090206&content_id=3804552&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=May 13, 2009 |website=MLB.com}} (after the then-recent movie); in a Zito win on September 19, the rotund Sandoval scored a run against the Los Angeles Dodgers by acrobatically jumping over the tag of catcher Danny Ardoin.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval Official Bio |url=http://pablosandoval48.com/sample-page/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927010101/http://pablosandoval48.com/sample%2Dpage/ |archive-date=September 27, 2008 |access-date=April 15, 2015}}

==2009==

Sandoval made the Giants' Opening Day roster out of spring training in 2009 as the Giants' starting third baseman and backup catcher.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=April 5, 2009 |title=Giants unveil final roster for opener |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090404&content_id=4129984&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527022134/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090404&content_id=4129984&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-date=May 27, 2011 |access-date=July 22, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} He served as a personal catcher for Zito at the beginning of the year.{{Cite news |last=Schulman |first=Henry |date=May 9, 2009 |title=Molina sits for another Zito start |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Molina-sits-for-another-Zito-start-3162751.php |url-status=dead |access-date=May 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104201855/http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Molina-sits-for-another-Zito-start-3162751.php |archive-date=November 4, 2012}} On May 12, Sandoval hit his first walk-off home run against Joe Beimel to beat the Washington Nationals 9–7.{{Cite web |last=Gilmore |first=Eric |date=May 13, 2009 |title=Sandoval rescues Giants in ninth |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090513&content_id=4698176&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516053459/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090513&content_id=4698176&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 16, 2009 |access-date=July 25, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} Following an elbow injury to Sandoval in May, the Giants called up Eli Whiteside to serve as the backup catcher on May 24; since then, Sandoval has not been used at all as a catcher.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=May 24, 2009 |title=Giants bolster catching ranks with Whiteside |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090524&content_id=4923180&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527154122/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090524&content_id=4923180&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 27, 2009 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} After 73 games played, San Francisco Chronicle columnist Scott Ostler wrote that Sandoval had made the most impressive transition from the Giants farm system since 1986 when Will Clark and Robby Thompson were rookies.{{Cite news |last=Ostler |first=Scott |date=May 14, 2009 |title=Despite pratfall, Sandoval is a player |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Despite-pratfall-Sandoval-is-a-player-3231809.php |url-status=dead |access-date=May 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104202147/http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Despite-pratfall-Sandoval-is-a-player-3231809.php |archive-date=November 4, 2012}}

Sandoval's first days in the majors were marked by a tendency to free swing. Giants hitting coach Carney Lansford noted that Sandoval contributed to the team's drawing the fewest walks in the National League at a time when the overall number of walks throughout baseball had increased. "As much as I try to get him to be disciplined, it's like caging a lion. He leaves the dugout ready to swing the bat. I literally tell him before every at-bat, 'Swing at a strike.'"{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=May 20, 2009 |title=Free-swinging Giants eschew walks |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090520&content_id=4846962&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf&partnerId=rss_sf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104200640/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090520&content_id=4846962&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf&partnerId=rss_sf |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=May 21, 2009 |website=MLB.com}} Sandoval himself characterized his approach as "See ball, swing." In July 2009, he was named a Sprint Final Vote candidate for the 80th annual All-Star Game for the final roster spot on the National League team.{{Cite web |last=Pentis |first=Andrew |date=June 24, 2009 |title=Controlling weight key to Sandoval's prowess |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090624&content_id=5508704&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf&partnerId=rss_sf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104200658/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090624&content_id=5508704&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf&partnerId=rss_sf |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=June 26, 2009 |website=MLB.com}} He was edged by Shane Victorino of the Philadelphia Phillies on the last day of voting.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=July 9, 2009 |title=Sandoval gracious in Final Vote defeat |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090709&content_id=5785570&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309170751/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090709&content_id=5785570&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-date=March 9, 2012 |access-date=July 14, 2009 |website=MLB.com}}

On July 6, Sandoval hit his first career grand slam at home at AT&T Park against Sean West of the visiting Florida Marlins in a 5–4 victory.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=July 7, 2009 |title=All-Star hopeful Sandoval slams Marlins |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090706&content_id=5733506&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709200618/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090706&content_id=5733506&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 9, 2009 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} He hit his first home run into McCovey Cove on July 30, the 50th anniversary of the MLB Debut of Willie McCovey, who was in attendance.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=July 31, 2009 |title=Sandoval shows All-Star form vs. Phillies |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090730&content_id=6157432&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801160009/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090730&content_id=6157432&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 1, 2009 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} Sandoval said after the game, "It's special right now. I hit McCovey Cove and McCovey's here. He talks to me every time he's in the clubhouse."{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2009 |title=Sanchez strikes out seven as Giants stomp Phillies for fourth straight win |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290730126 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803172720/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290730126 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 3, 2009 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Sandoval set a record for most hits by a Giants switch-hitter in a single season with 189 in 2009.

Sandoval finished the 2009 season with 25 home runs and 90 RBI in 153 games. He had the second-highest batting average among NL hitters, at .330 (behind Hanley Ramírez's .342), and finished seventh in NL MVP voting.{{Cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |date=November 24, 2009 |title=Third time is charming for MVP Pujols |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091115&content_id=7669452&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017141742/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091115&content_id=7669452&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2009 |website=MLB.com}} Due to his service time in 2008, he was ineligible for the NL Rookie of the Year Award, which went to Chris Coghlan.{{Cite web |title=2009 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2009.shtml |access-date=July 29, 2014 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

==2010==

During the offseason, the Giants had Sandoval work on losing weight.{{Cite news |last=Snyder |first=Matt |date=November 12, 2009 |title=Pablo Sandoval and 'Operation Panda' |work=San Jose Mercury News |url=http://www.aolnews.com/2009/11/12/pablo-sandoval-and-operation-panda/ |url-status=dead |access-date=February 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820045304/http://www.aolnews.com/2009/11/12/pablo-sandoval-and-operation-panda/ |archive-date=August 20, 2012}} Sandoval, however, saw a sophomore slump in 2010. He struggled all season to come close to his 2009 totals and saw himself dropped to eighth in the batting order in a game on June 5. One bright spot in the season came on August 12, when Pat Burrell and Sandoval hit back-to-back home runs against Randy Wells of the Cubs in an 8–7 victory. Sandoval's home run snapped a 46-game home run drought.{{Cite web |last=Kruth |first=Cash |date=August 12, 2010 |title=Torres' walk-off bolsters Burrell's Giant day |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100812&content_id=13381420&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816135026/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100812&content_id=13381420&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 16, 2010 |access-date=October 17, 2011 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} Sandoval finished the season with a .268 batting average, 13 home runs, and 63 RBI. He saw his batting average, as a right-handed hitter, plummet over 150 points from his 2009 batting average; he dropped from .379 to .227. His batting average with runners in scoring position also dropped during this period, from .301 in 2009 to .208 in 2010. Overweight and unproductive, he was benched during the 2010 National League Championship Series for Juan Uribe and limited to three at-bats in the 2010 World Series. However, Sandoval earned his first World Series ring as the Giants won their first World Series since 1954, securing the championship in five games over the Texas Rangers.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Daniel |date=October 29, 2012 |title=World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval silences the critics |work=San Jose Mercury News |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_21882324/world-series-mvp-pablo-sandoval-silences-critics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120104900/http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_21882324/world-series-mvp-pablo-sandoval-silences-critics |archive-date=January 20, 2013}}{{Cite news |last=Morosi |first=Jon Paul |date=October 25, 2012 |title=Panda has memorable night in Game 1 |work=Fox Sports |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/pablo-sandoval-san-francisco-giants-three-homer-night-redemption-for-2010-world-series-102412 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028064504/http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/pablo-sandoval-san-francisco-giants-three-homer-night-redemption-for-2010-world-series-102412 |archive-date=October 28, 2012}}

==2011==

File:4TH Pablo Sandoval.jpg at third base.]]

Entering 2011, the Giants made a publicized campaign called "Operation Panda", which was aimed at getting Sandoval into better shape during the offseason. By the end of 2010, he had weighed {{convert|278|lbs}}. Sandoval hired Triple Threat Performance of Tempe, Arizona, to help him lose weight and help improve his performance. He lost over {{convert|30|lbs}},{{Cite web |last=Baggarly |first=Andrew |date=February 18, 2011 |title=Giants notebook: Pablo Sandoval weighs in at 240 pounds |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_17427445?source=rss&nclick_check=1 |access-date=April 4, 2011 |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News}} and it led to results on the field for Sandoval. After a subpar 2010 season, Sandoval returned to his 2009 form. He got off to a good start in 2011, but suffered a broken right hamate bone in late April and missed 41 games.{{Cite web |last=Short |first=D.J. |date=April 30, 2011 |title=Tough break: Pablo Sandoval has fractured hamate bone |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2011/04/30/tough-break-pablo-sandoval-has-fractured-hamate-bone/ |access-date=March 29, 2021 |website=NBC Sports}} He was activated off the disabled list (DL) on June 14 and had a 22-game hitting streak from June 19 through July 14.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Doug |date=June 13, 2011 |title=Giants get Panda back for NL West clash |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_06_14_sfnmlb_arimlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_away&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615080949/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_06_14_sfnmlb_arimlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_away&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} On July 10, 2011, Sandoval was selected to the National League All-Star team, becoming the first All-Star position player for the Giants since Barry Bonds in 2007. In his first All-Star at bat, Sandoval hit an RBI ground-rule double against Brandon League, helping the NL win the 2011 MLB All-Star Game.{{Cite web |last=Brock |first=Corey |date=July 13, 2011 |title=Panda, Wilson play big roles in All-Star win |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110712&content_id=21758888&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714234554/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110712&content_id=21758888&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}

On September 15, 2011, Sandoval hit for the cycle at Colorado against pitcher Jhoulys Chacín. He had (in order) a two-run home run in the first, a single in the second, a double in the fifth and a triple in the sixth.{{Cite news |date=September 15, 2011 |title=MLB – San Francisco Giants/Colorado Rockies Box Score |work=Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=310915127 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026135517/http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=310915127 |archive-date=October 26, 2012}} On September 19, 2011, Sandoval earned his first career "NL Player of the Week" Award.{{Cite web |last=Kruth |first=Cash |date=September 19, 2011 |title=Panda named NL Player of the Week |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110919&content_id=24921522&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229162536/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110919&content_id=24921522&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |archive-date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=February 22, 2012}} In 2011, Sandoval hit .315/.357/.552 with 23 home runs and 70 RBIs, a significant improvement from 2010.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval 2011 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=sandopa01&t=b&year=2011 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He only had 426 at bats for the season, down significantly from his totals from 2009 and 2010 due to the injury he suffered.

==2012==

On April 26, 2012, Sandoval hit a single in the fourth inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. This was the 19th consecutive game since Opening Day in which Sandoval had a hit, setting a Giants franchise record for longest consecutive hitting streak to begin a season. The previous record – of 18 games – was set by Johnny Rucker in 1945.{{Cite web |last=Goheen |first=Kevin |date=April 26, 2012 |title=Sandoval breaks Giants' early hit streak mark |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120426&content_id=29695432¬ebook_id=29722666&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428050222/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120426&content_id=29695432¬ebook_id=29722666&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |archive-date=April 28, 2012 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |website=MLB.com}} Sandoval ran it up to 20 before it was snapped. However, in May, Sandoval fractured his left hamate bone, an injury which kept him out until early June. Giants' head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner said the day before Sandoval had surgery, "I guess the good news is both [hamate bones] will be gone tomorrow and he can't do it again."{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=May 3, 2012 |title=Sandoval has broken hamate bone in left hand |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120503&content_id=30309376&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505225608/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120503&content_id=30309376&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 5, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Jay |date=June 9, 2012 |title=Giants to activate Sandoval from DL |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120608&content_id=32986726¬ebook_id=32991632&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610063804/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120608&content_id=32986726¬ebook_id=32991632&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 10, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} On July 1, 2012, it was announced that Sandoval had beaten out David Wright for his second All-Star team, as the starting third baseman for the National League. The choice was considered somewhat controversial by fans and executives (particularly Sandy Alderson), as David Wright had a significantly higher batting average than Sandoval at the time. Wright made the team as a reserve, and as a reporter pointed out, Sandoval in 2009 "outperformed Wright, who was the fans' choice to start."{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=July 3, 2012 |title=Sandoval happy to be on All-Star team with Wright |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120703&content_id=34391074¬ebook_id=34388714&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709035823/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120703&content_id=34391074¬ebook_id=34388714&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 9, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} On July 10, at Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium, Sandoval highlighted the NL's five-run opening inning with the first bases-loaded triple in the history of the Midsummer Classic, off of reigning American League (AL) Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=July 11, 2012 |title=Giants star in National League's victory |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120710&content_id=34818180&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715044013/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120710&content_id=34818180&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}

File:Pablo Sandoval, 2012 World Series parade.jpg

Sandoval injured his left hamstring at the end of July and was on the DL for the second time in 2012, from July 28 through August 13.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris and Jay Lee |date=July 28, 2012 |title=Giants put Sandoval on DL, activate Huff |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120728&content_id=35707392¬ebook_id=35716942&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |access-date=November 7, 2012 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808055026/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120728&content_id=35707392¬ebook_id=35716942&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Jay |date=August 14, 2012 |title=Sandoval comes off DL, doesn't start vs. Nats |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120813&content_id=36607112¬ebook_id=36636586&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816041050/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120813&content_id=36607112¬ebook_id=36636586&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 16, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} On September 20, he homered from both sides of the plate in a 9–2 victory over Colorado, becoming the sixth San Francisco Giant to accomplish the feat.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=September 20, 2012 |title=Panda's HRs help Giants trim magic number to 3 |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_09_20_colmlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922133555/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_09_20_colmlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 22, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} In 108 games (396 at bats), Sandoval batted .283 with 112 hits, 12 home runs, and 63 RBI.

On October 24, 2012, in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series, Sandoval hit three home runs — two of them off Justin Verlander. He joined Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, and Albert Pujols as the only players in MLB history to hit three home runs in a World Series game, and is the first in history to hit those home runs in his first three plate appearances (in the first, third, and fifth innings).{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=October 25, 2012 |title=Sandoval's homer trifecta gives Giants Game 1 win |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_10_24_detmlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028064844/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_10_24_detmlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=sf |archive-date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |website=MLB.com}}{{Cite web |date=October 25, 2012 |title=Pablo Sandoval hits three home runs |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8548628/2012-world-series-pablo-sandoval-hits-three-home-runs-opener |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027225241/http://espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8548628/2012-world-series-pablo-sandoval-hits-three-home-runs-opener |archive-date=October 27, 2012 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} On October 28, Sandoval was named the World Series MVP.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=David |date=October 29, 2012 |title=Most Valuable Panda! Pablo Sandoval named World Series MVP |work=Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/most-valuable-panda-pablo-sandoval-named-world-series-045740612--mlb.html |url-status=dead |access-date=October 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101084440/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/most-valuable-panda-pablo-sandoval-named-world-series-045740612--mlb.html |archive-date=November 1, 2012}} He also won the Babe Ruth Award for his overall postseason performance.{{Cite news |last=Feinsand |first=Mark |date=November 14, 2012 |title=Mets' Dickey already Toasted, wins local honor |work=New York Daily News |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-11-14/news/35093977_1_awards-dinner-local-honors-town-award |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117102817/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-11-14/news/35093977_1_awards-dinner-local-honors-town-award |archive-date=November 17, 2012}} Sandoval set a new Giants franchise record for most hits in a postseason with 24, which included six home runs.{{Cite news |last=Killion |first=Ann |date=October 1, 2014 |title=Great experience, but also expectations, for Giants |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Great-experience-but-also-expectations-for-5792353.php |access-date=October 9, 2014}}

==2013==

With the Giants trailing 1–0 in the ninth inning on April 30, 2013, Sandoval hit a two-run home run against J. J. Putz to give them a 2–1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=May 1, 2013 |title=Panda stuns D-backs with ninth-inning blast |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_04_30_sfnmlb_arimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402155729/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_04_30_sfnmlb_arimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=July 21, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} At the end of April, he had 35 hits, tied for the NL lead with Starling Marte and, since 1900, the largest April total by a Giant. On May 21, at AT&T Park and fighting the flu, he hit a 10th-inning, two-run home run against Yunesky Maya to give the Giants a 4–2 victory over Washington.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=May 22, 2013 |title=Ailing Sandoval delivers walk-off homer vs. Nats |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_21_wasmlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sf |access-date=July 22, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} From June 9 through June 23, he was on the DL with a left foot injury.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=June 12, 2013 |title=Sandoval lands on 15-day DL with strained left foot |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130611&content_id=50306496¬ebook_id=50318830&vkey=notebook_sf&c_id=sf |access-date=July 24, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web |last=Owens |first=Andrew |date=June 23, 2013 |title=Giants scuffle in losing series to Marlins |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_23_miamlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sf |access-date=July 24, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} On August 16, he had four hits and reached safely in all six plate appearances during a 14–10 victory over the Miami Marlins.{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Joe |date=August 17, 2013 |title=Giants unload offense to outlast Marlins |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_08_16_sfnmlb_miamlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sf |access-date=July 25, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He hit three home runs on September 4 in a 13–5 victory over the Padres.{{Cite web |last=Cassavell |first=A. J. |date=September 4, 2013 |title=Panda's three HRs lead Giants' long-ball party |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_09_04_sfnmlb_sdnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175421/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_09_04_sfnmlb_sdnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=July 26, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} With that performance, Sandoval joined Ruth, Jackson, Pujols, George Brett, and Adrián Beltré as the only players to have three-homer games in both the regular season and the playoffs. In 141 games, Sandoval batted .278 with 146 hits, 14 home runs, and 79 RBI.

==2014==

By the end of 2013, Sandoval again needed to lose weight. Encouraged by several of his teammates and Giants' general manager Brian Sabean, he showed up at spring training several pounds lighter.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=February 15, 2014 |title=Slimmer Sandoval sets serious tone to start camp |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article/sf/slimmer-pablo-sandoval-sets-serious-tone-to-start-sf-giants-camp?ymd=20140215&content_id=67821808&vkey=news_sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729180615/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article/sf/slimmer-pablo-sandoval-sets-serious-tone-to-start-sf-giants-camp?ymd=20140215&content_id=67821808&vkey=news_sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 29, 2014 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |website=San Francisco Giants |publisher=MLB}} The weight loss did not lead to immediate results for Sandoval, who batted .167 with just six RBI in his first 31 games through May 6. However, over his next 42 games through June 21, he batted .351 with seven home runs and 27 RBI.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval 2014 Batting Gamelogs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=sandopa01&t=b&year=2014 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

In the 2014 NLDS, with a game-tying, RBI double in the top of the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals, Sandoval extended his National League postseason hitting record to 13 consecutive games.{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2014 |title=Giants, Nationals play in record-tying longest playoff game |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/10/04/giants-nationals-head-to-16th-inning-in-nlds/16748737/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Mello |first=Igor |date=October 4, 2014 |title=Giants' Pablo Sandoval extends postseason hitting streak in dramatic fashion |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/giants-pablo-sandoval-extends-postseason-hitting-streak-in-dramatic-fashion/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}

{{quote box

| quote="Salvador Perez… the 2-2 - Popped up! Sandoval! In foul territory… GIANTS WIN! A World Series win for the San Francisco Giants, for the third time in the last five years! And their hero, Madison Bumgarner!"

| source=—Joe Buck's final television call on Fox of the final out of the 2014 World Series clincher{{cite web | url=https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/fdy0tj/oc_joe_bucks_world_seriesending_calls_from/ | title=[OC] Joe Buck's World Series-ending calls from 2000-2019 | date=March 5, 2020 }}

| width=20em

| align=left}}

{{quote box

| quote="Madison Bumgarner trying to wrap up this World Series for the Giants. He's ready. He throws, swing and a POP-UP! [Pablo] Sandoval down the line in foul ground, he's got plenty of room, and he's got it! And the Giants have won; they have won the World Series for the third time in five years. And Madison Bumgarner has firmly etched his name on the all-time World Series record books as one of the greatest World Series pitchers the game has ever seen!"

| source=—Jon Miller's final radio call on KNBR of the final out of the 2014 World Series clincher

| width=20em

| align=right}}

In Game 3 of the 2014 World Series, his post-season on-base streak ended at 25.{{Cite web |last=Schulman |first=Henry |date=2014-10-26 |title=Giants beat: Keen eye key to Sandoval's postseason hit streak |url=https://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-beat-Keen-eye-key-to-Sandoval-s-5848370.php |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}} In Game 4, while ailing with the flu, his 13th multi-hit post-season game brought him to second in that category in franchise history, behind Frankie Frisch.

In Kansas City, in Game 7 of the World Series, Sandoval recorded his 26th hit of the postseason, which set a new record for most hits in a single postseason (it was eventually broken by Randy Arozarena in the 2020 World Series). He also caught Royals batter Salvador Pérez's pop-up foul ball for the final out to clinch the World Series championship for the San Francisco Giants.{{Cite web |last=Schulman |first=Henry |date=2014-12-31 |title=No. 1 play of 2014: World Series final out |url=https://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/No-1-play-of-2014-World-Series-final-out-5986254.php |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}} It was the Giants' third World Championship in a span of five seasons.{{Cite web |last=Waldstein, David |date=October 29, 2014 |title=Bumgarner, a Three-Ring Master, Leads San Francisco to Its Third Title in Five Seasons |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/30/sports/baseball/world-series-2014-giants-beat-royals-in-game-7-to-win-title.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=photo-spot-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |website=The New York Times}} Sandoval became a free agent after the season ended.

=Boston Red Sox (2015–2017)=

==2015==

File:Pablo Sandoval (17234905956).jpg

On November 24, 2014, Sandoval came to an agreement with the Boston Red Sox on a five-year, $90 million contract with a sixth year club option of $17 million or a $5 million buy-out.{{Cite web |last=Edes |first=Gordon |date=November 25, 2014 |title=Red Sox to sign Pablo Sandoval |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/11929658/boston-red-sox-pablo-sandoval-agree-deal |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Calcaterra, Craig |date=November 24, 2014 |title=UPDATE: The Pablo Sandoval-Red Sox deal is done, pending a physical |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/24/report-pablo-sandoval-and-the-red-sox-agree-to-a-five-years-deal-at-close-to-100-million/ |access-date=November 24, 2014 |publisher=NBCSports.com}} The deal was officially announced on November 25.{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=Ian |date=November 25, 2014 |title=Red Sox score big, land Panda and Hanley |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/102280786/boston-red-sox-agree-to-deals-with-hanley-ramirez-pablo-sandoval |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127201010/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/102280786/boston-red-sox-agree-to-deals-with-hanley-ramirez-pablo-sandoval |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 27, 2014 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |website=mlb.com}} Sandoval said, "It was a tough decision for me. It took me a long time to be sure that I was going to make the right decision... But I want a new challenge. I made that choice to be here in Boston because I need a new challenge."{{Cite news |last=Silva |first=Steve |date=November 25, 2014 |title=Pablo Sandoval Looking for a New Challenge with Red Sox |publisher=Boston.com |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2014/11/pablo_sandoval_red_sox.html}}

In 126 games of 2015, Sandoval batted .245 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI, all career lows since his first full season in 2009.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval 2015 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=sandopa01&t=b&year=2015 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He swung at 47.8% of pitches outside the strike zone (the highest percentage in the majors).{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2015 » Batters » Plate Discipline Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=5&season=2015&month=0&season1=2015&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=3,d |website=www.fangraphs.com}}

==2016==

In January 2016, Sandoval switched agents and became represented by Rick Thurman and Rafa Nieves of Beverly Hills Sports Council.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=DJ |date=January 9, 2016 |title=Boston Red Sox: Pablo Sandoval Acquires New Agency |url=https://chowderandchampions.com/2016/01/09/boston-red-sox-pablo-sandoval-acquires-new-agency/ |access-date=August 2, 2016 |website=Fansided}} Looking to improve upon his first season in Boston, an overweight Sandoval struggled in spring training, and was replaced by Travis Shaw as the starting third baseman.{{Cite web |last=Mastrodonato |first=Jason |date=March 31, 2016 |title=Pablo Sandoval: Starting Travis Shaw 'right decision' for Red Sox |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2016/03/31/pablo-sandoval-starting-travis-shaw-right-decision-for-red-sox/ |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=www.bostonherald.com}} On April 13, Sandoval was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a shoulder strain.{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2016 |title=Sandoval heads to DL with shoulder strain |url=http://www.csnne.com/boston-red-sox/boston-red-sox-place-pablo-sandoval-on-disabled-list-because-of-strained-shoulder |access-date=April 13, 2016 |website=csnne.com |publisher=Comcast Sports Network New England}} On May 3, Sandoval underwent surgery on his left shoulder, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. On September 24, manager John Farrell told reporters that Sandoval was progressing ahead of schedule in his rehab, and could be an option for the Red Sox in the postseason should a need arise, as the team did acquire Aaron Hill during the season to help with third base depth.{{Cite web |last=Wilmoth |first=Charlie |date=September 24, 2016 |title=Pablo Sandoval Could Return This Season |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/09/pablo-sandoval-could-return-this-season.html |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=MLB Trade Rumors}} Sandoval also made an effort at improving his fitness, losing 15 pounds by August while working at the Red Sox facility in Fort Myers.{{Cite web |last=Maroon |first=Annie |date=August 13, 2016 |title=Pablo Sandoval has lost 15 pounds, Red Sox manager John Farrell says |url=http://www.masslive.com/redsox/index.ssf/2016/08/pablo_sandoval_has_lost_15_pou.html |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=The Republican}} Due to the injury Sandoval ended his 2016 season with six at bats.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval 2016 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=sandopa01&t=b&year=2016 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

==2017==

Heading into the 2017 season, Sandoval battled in spring training to become the third baseman, competing against Josh Rutledge and a few others. Sandoval won the job after posting solid spring training numbers. He began hitting at the bottom of the Boston lineup, mainly between 6th and 8th in the order. Through 108 plate appearances, Sandoval continued his struggle from the 2015 season, hitting just .212 for the Red Sox before being placed on the 10-day disabled list on June 20 with an inner ear infection.{{Cite web |last=Lauber |first=Scott |date=June 20, 2017 |title=Red Sox place Pablo Sandoval back on DL, this time with ear infection |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19689704/pablo-sandoval-boston-red-sox-placed-back-dl-ear-infection |access-date=June 21, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}} On June 27, he began a rehab assignment with the Pawtucket Red Sox of the Class AAA International League.{{Cite web |last=Mastrodonato |first=Jason |date=June 26, 2017 |title=Pablo Sandoval to rehab with PawSox, will return when ready to provide 'impact' |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2017/06/26/pablo-sandoval-to-rehab-with-pawsox-will-return-when-ready-to-provide-impact/ |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=Boston Herald}} He was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on July 14,{{Cite web |last=Lauber |first=Scott |date=July 14, 2017 |title=Red Sox designate Sandoval for assignment |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20040647/boston-red-sox-designate-pablo-sandoval-assignment |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} and released on July 19.{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2017 |title=Red Sox release third baseman Pablo Sandoval |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20105809/boston-red-sox-release-third-baseman-pablo-sandoval |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}

=Second stint with Giants (2017–2020)=

==2017==

On July 22, 2017, the Giants signed Sandoval to a minor league contract.{{Cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=July 22, 2017 |title=Sandoval signs with Giants, will start in Minor |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/giants-sign-third-baseman-pablo-sandoval-c243752474 |access-date=July 22, 2017 |website=MLB.com}} Upon rejoining the Giants' organization, Sandoval played three games with the Class A-Advanced San Jose Giants and nine games with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, where he batted .222 and .207, respectively. On August 5, Sandoval was called up to San Francisco after Brandon Belt was put on the disabled list for a concussion. With the 2017 Giants, Sandoval appeared in 47 games, batting .225 with five home runs and 20 RBIs; defensively, he made 38 appearances at third base and nine appearances at first base.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval 2017 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=sandopa01&t=b&year=2017 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

==2018==

The Giants picked up Sandoval's option, worth the league minimum, for 2018.{{Cite web |last=Pavlovic |first=Alex |date=November 6, 2017 |title=Giants pick up options on Sandoval and two starting pitchers |url=http://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/giants-pick-options-sandoval-and-two-starting-pitchers |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=NBC Sports}}

He had a strong spring training, hitting four home runs as part of a .302/.333/.585 slash line.{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=Pablo Sandoval – Career MLB Batting Spring Training |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/pablo-sandoval-467055?stats=career-s-hitting-mlb&year=2018 |website=MLB.com}} He made the opening day roster out of spring training as a bench player, likely as a backup to newly acquired third baseman Evan Longoria.{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2018 |title=Giants' Pablo Sandoval: Locks in bench role |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/giants-pablo-sandoval-locks-in-bench-role/ |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=CBS Sports}}

On April 28, Sandoval debuted as a pitcher in a 15–6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched a perfect ninth inning, inducing three groundouts with mostly curveballs averaging around 70 mph.{{Cite web |last=Randhawa |first=Manny |date=April 28, 2018 |title=Panda pitching alert! Sandoval fires perfect 9th |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/pablo-sandoval-pitches-perfect-ninth-inning/c-274318552 |access-date=April 28, 2018 |website=MLB.com}} In 92 games for the Giants, he hit .248/.310/.417 with 9 home runs and 40 RBIs.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval 2018 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=sandopa01&t=b&year=2018 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

==2019==

Sandoval appeared in more than 100 games for the Giants in 2019, playing at third base and first base, and pitching in one game. He also led the major leagues with 18 pinch hits, but was hampered by elbow problems. Two days before having Tommy John surgery, he came off the injured list to make a final appearance for retiring manager Bruce Bochy on September 1, 2019.

Sandoval was the 2019 nominee from the Giants for the annual Roberto Clemente Award for contributions on and off the field. He batted .268/.313/.507 with 14 home runs and 41 RBIs, and had his first stolen base since 2012.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval 2019 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=sandopa01&t=b&year=2019 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

==2020==

On January 31, 2020, Sandoval agreed to a minor-league contract with the Giants and would get a one-year, $2 million deal if he was added to the 40-man roster. Sandoval made the Opening Day roster for the Giants when his contract was selected on July 23. On September 10, Sandoval was designated for assignment and placed on release waivers by the Giants.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Matt |date=September 10, 2020 |title=Giants DFA Pablo Sandoval |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/pablo-sandoval-designated-for-assignment-by-giants |access-date=September 10, 2020 |website=MLB.com}} In 2020 with the Giants, he batted .220/.278/.268 with one home run and 6 RBIs in 90 plate appearances.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=September 10, 2020 |title=Giants Designate Pablo Sandoval For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/giants-designate-pablo-sandoval-for-assignment-dfa.html |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=MLB Trade Rumors}}{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2020 |title=Panda out: Giants release fan favorite Sandoval |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29854557/san-francisco-giants-release-fan-favorite-pablo-sandoval |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

=Atlanta Braves (2020–2021)=

On September 14, 2020, Sandoval signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.{{Cite news |last=Bowman |first=Mark |date=September 14, 2020 |title=Panda finds new home with Braves (source) |work=MLB.com |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/pablo-sandoval-braves-deal |access-date=September 28, 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Burns |first=Gabriel |date=September 14, 2020 |title=Report: Braves sign Pablo Sandoval to minor-league deal |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/report-braves-sign-pablo-sandoval-to-minor-league-deal/PRY5EBJMBVGOTMJGWPCZQQODOY/ |access-date=September 28, 2020}} On September 27, the Braves added Sandoval to the 40-man and active rosters.{{Cite news |last=Bowman |first=Mark |date=September 27, 2020 |title=Sandoval activated, starts at 3B for Braves |work=MLB.com |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/pablo-sandoval-activated-by-braves |access-date=September 28, 2020}}{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2020 |title=Atlanta Braves activate Pablo Sandoval for bench role |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29985035/source-atlanta-braves-activate-pablo-sandoval-bench-role |access-date=September 28, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}} With Sandoval's usual number 48 being used by Ian Anderson, Sandoval settled with the number 18. In the 2020 regular season, he was 0-for-2 for the team.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sandopa01.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com}} He made a pinch-hit appearance in Game 1 of the 2020 National League Championship Series after not playing in the Wild Card Series or the Division Series, appearing in the eighth inning with two runners on and two out; he was hit by a pitch after two pitches. He played third base for the ninth inning as the Braves won 5-1.{{Cite web |title=2020 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 1, Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers, October 12, 2020 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN202010120.shtml |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

On January 24, 2021, Sandoval re-signed with the Braves on a minor league contract.{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=December 3, 2015 |title=Braves Re-Sign Pablo Sandoval To Minors Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/braves-sign-pablo-sandoval-to-minors-deal.html |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} On March 27, 2021, Sandoval was selected to the 40-man roster.{{Cite web |last=Franco |first=Anthony |date=March 29, 2021 |title=Braves Select Pablo Sandoval, Release Jake Lamb, Re-Sign Jason Kipnis |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/braves-select-pablo-sandoval-designate-phil-ervin-for-assignment.html |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} Sandoval hit two home runs in his first three at-bats, including what turned out to be the game-winner on April 7, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Buhler |first=John |date=April 1, 2021 |title=Braves: Pablo Sandoval demolishes game-tying home run on Opening Day (Video) |url=https://fansided.com/2021/04/01/braves-pablo-sandoval-homer-opening-day/ |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=FanSided |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Rogust |first=Scott |date=April 7, 2021 |title=Panda Power: Braves' Pablo Sandoval has the best gig in baseball |url=https://fansided.com/2021/04/07/panda-power-braves-pablo-sandoval-best-gig-baseball/ |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=FanSided |language=en-US}} Sandoval was traded to the Cleveland Indians on July 30 in exchange for Eddie Rosario and cash considerations,{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Mandy |date=July 30, 2021 |title=In 2 deals, Indians trade Eddie, get Straw |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/eddie-rosario-traded-by-indians |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} and was immediately released. In 2021 he batted .178/.302/.342.{{Cite web |title=Pablo Sandoval 2021 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=sandopa01&t=b&year=2021 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} That year he had the third-slowest sprint speed of all major leaguers, at 22.7 feet/second, ahead of only Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.{{Cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/sprint_speed?year=2021&position=&team=&min=10&sort=7&sortDir=asc|title=Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard|website=baseballsavant.com}} Although not on the team for the playoffs, Sandoval received a ring from the Braves following their 2021 World Series Championship, giving him his fourth ring.

=Foreign leagues=

On February 7, 2022, Sandoval signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.{{cite web|url=http://acereros.com.mx/habra-kung-fu-panda-en-monclova-bienvenido-pablo-sandoval/|title=HABRÁ KUNG FU PANDA EN MONCLOVA: ¡BIENVENIDO PABLO SANDOVAL!|website=acereros.com.mx|date=February 7, 2022|language=ES|accessdate=February 7, 2022}} In 28 games, he batted .240/.311/.356 with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs. Sandoval was waived by the team on May 26.{{Cite tweet|user=AcererosOficial|number=1529826305486663683|title=Agradecemos a Pablo Sandoval haber sido parte de La #FuriAzul. Como parte de todo equipo profesional, los ajustes son parte de lo que sucede en temporada, por lo que causa baja de nuestro roster. En breve anunciaremos más movimientos. #LasEstrellasBrillanEnMonclova ⭐💫✨|date=26 May 2022|language=es|access-date=26 May 2022}} On May 27, 2022, Sandoval was claimed off waivers by the Olmecas de Tabasco.{{cite web|url=https://olmecastabasco.mx/nota/283/Kung-Fu-Panda-arriba-a-la-tropa-tabasquena|title=Kung Fu Panda arriba a la tropa tabasqueña|website=olmecastabasco.mx|date=May 27, 2022|language=ES|accessdate=May 27, 2022}} In 43 games, he slashed .311/.396/.466 with 7 home runs and 24 RBIs. Following the season, the team announced they would be parting ways,{{Cite tweet|user=OlmecasTabasco|number=1566824149053472771|title=Esta temporada, Pablo Sandoval estuvo en el diamante del Tumbapatos 🏟🔥 formando parte de nuestra aguerrida tropa olmeca 🗿 ¡Éxito 🐼! #SomosOlmecas👊🏽⚾️|date=5 September 2022|language=es|access-date=12 April 2023}} and Sandoval was officially released on January 19, 2023.

On October 23, 2023, Sandoval was selected by the Abu Dhabi Falcons in the inaugural Baseball United draft.{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Conor |title=Pablo Sandoval among ex-Red Sox drafted to Dubai-based league |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2023/10/23/pablo-sandoval-rusney-castillo-red-sox-mlb-baseball/ |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}} Sandoval played for the United West All-Stars during the 2023 All-Star Showcase in November 2023, starting at third base in both of the showcase games{{Cite web |title=2023 All-Star Showcase {{!}} Baseball United |url=https://www.baseballunited.com/events/2023/showcase |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=www.baseballunited.com |language=en}} and hitting a six-run home run during a "moneyball" at bat in which each run batted in counts as two.{{Cite web |last=Connon |first=Sam |date=2023-11-25 |title=Pablo Sandoval's 6-Run Home Run Highlights Wild Action in Dubai's Baseball United |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/former-mlb-all-star-pablo-sandoval-6-run-home-run-highlights-wild-action-in-dubai-league-baseball-united |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Fastball |language=en}}

=Staten Island FerryHawks=

On February 17, 2024, Sandoval signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.{{Cite web |last=Deeds |first=Nick |date=2024-02-17 |title=Giants To Sign Pablo Sandoval To Non-Roster Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/giants-to-sign-pablo-sandoval-to-non-roster-deal.html |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} Historically a switch-hitter, Sandoval only batted left handed in his comeback bid.{{Cite web |last=Slusser |first=Susan |date=March 12, 2024 |title=How Pablo Sandoval is making an impact at Giants camp, if not at the plate |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/article/pablo-sandoval-making-impact-giants-camp-not-18926364.php |access-date=March 19, 2024 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}} He was released by the Giants organization on March 28 after slashing .250/.323/.250 in 31 Spring Training plate appearances.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=2024-03-28 |title=Giants Option Marco Luciano, Select Nick Ahmed, Release Pablo Sandoval |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/giants-option-marco-luciano-select-nick-ahmed-release-pablo-sandoval.html |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=2024 Major League Baseball Spring Training |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2024-spring-training-batting.shtml |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

On April 6, 2024, Sandoval signed with the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=2024-04-06 |title=Pablo Sandoval Signs With Atlantic League's Staten Island FerryHawks |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/04/pablo-sandoval-signs-with-atlantic-leagues-staten-island-ferryhawks.html |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} In 120 games for Staten Island, he batted .248/.314/.362 with 10 home runs and 79 RBI. On September 14, Sandoval was the starting pitcher against the Lancaster Stormers. He pitched {{fraction|5|1|3}} innings, 4 hits, no runs, 1 walk and earned the win in a quality start. Sandoval became a free agent following the season.

On March 31, 2025, Sandoval re-signed with Staten Island.{{Cite web|title=FerryHawks bring back World Series MVP for 2025 season|url=https://www.silive.com/ferryhawks/2025/03/ferryhawks-bring-back-world-series-mvp-for-2025-season.html?outputType=amp|access-date=April 4, 2025|website=silive.com| date=March 31, 2025 |language=en}}

International career

File:Sandoval magallanes.jpg]]

Like many Venezuelan MLB players, Sandoval plays in the Venezuelan Winter League during the offseason. He plays for the Navegantes del Magallanes. In 2013, Sandoval led his team to its first series title since the 2002 winter ball season. He was named the MVP of the Venezuelan postseason, three months after being named the 2012 World Series MVP. Sandoval said, "There's nothing like being champion here in Venezuela with the Navegantes. Although it can't be compared with winning the World Series, because they're different things. But it's very special to be champion here."{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2013 |title=Giants' Sandoval leads Venezuelan team to victory |url=http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/giants-sandoval-leads-venezuelan-team-victory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141125135255/http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/giants-sandoval-leads-venezuelan-team-victory |archive-date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |website=CSN Bay Area}}

Personal life

Sandoval's parents run a mechanical engineering firm in Valencia, Venezuela. His older brother, Michael, played in the Minnesota Twins' organization from 1999 through 2004 and, after a year of independent ball in 2009, played for San Jose in 2010.{{Cite web |title=Michael Sandoval Minor League Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sandov001mic |access-date=July 17, 2014 |website=Baseball-Reference.com (Minors)}} Sandoval is a devout Roman Catholic, and makes the sign of the cross after each base hit. He attributes his success to his faith, saying it is important to be "seizing the opportunities offered in life by God and the need to fight tirelessly, not to survive but to excel."{{Cite web |last=Otero |first=Diana |date=November 22, 2010 |title=Giants trio shares immigrant experiences |url=http://www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/2010/11-22/inthisissue1.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321002424/http://www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/2010/11-22/inthisissue1.htm |archive-date=March 21, 2012 |publisher=The Catholic Voice |volume=48 |issue=20 |place=Oakland, California}}