Pablo Sandoval

Former Giants Star Pablo Sandoval Plans to Play in Mexican League

Panda's not done: Former Giants star Sandoval finds new home originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea

The Panda turns 36 this year, but he isn't ready to hang it up yet. 

Former Giants star Pablo Sandoval signed a contract with Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League, the club announced this week. Sandoval started the 2021 season in the big leagues but was DFA'd by the Cleveland Indians in July. The latest news comes on the heels of a big winter representing Navegantes del Magallanes of the Venezuelan Winter League. 

Sandoval was in the headlines last April when he hit three pinch-hit homers over the first two weeks of the season for the Atlanta Braves. The production tailed off from there, but he still had a huge hand to play in Atlanta's run to the World Series title. At the deadline, the Braves shipped Sandoval to Cleveland for Eddie Rosario, who would go on to take NLCS MVP honors. Sandoval will get a fourth ring for his contributions to the Braves earlier in the season. 

Sandoval never suited up for the Indians, but he had told friends around the game that he wants to keep playing, and the bat looked lively in winter ball. In 28 regular season games for Magallanes, his longtime offseason club, Sandoval hit .314 with a homer, 11 doubles and 19 RBI. He was 8-for-24 with a homer during Caribbean Series action. 

Acereros de Monclova plays in Northeast Mexico, a short drive from Monterrey. Their winter league team was managed by former Mets manager Mickey Callaway, who remains banned from Major League Baseball. Former big leaguers Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Matusz, Eric Young Jr. and Bruce Maxwell are among the players who have recently played in Monclova.

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If Sandoval does make it back to the big leagues at some point this season, it will be his 15th year in MLB. Regardless, he might be seen at Oracle Park at some point. The Giants plan to honor the 2012 championship team in August. 

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