World Series star Pablo Sandoval is leaving San Francisco for Boston.
The free agent third baseman, whose post-season performance helped propel the Giants to a World Series win this year, has reached an agreement to sign with the Red Sox, the Giants confirmed Monday.
We - Wishing you nothing but the best pic.twitter.com/TPnkygz4om— World Champs (@SFGiants) November 24, 2014
The San Francisco Chronicle had earlier confirmed that Sandoval, nicknamed Kung Fu Panda by teammates and fans, has locked down a five-year deal with Boston, pending the results of a physical, and that the team would make an announcement soon.
In another high-profile free agent acquisition, the Red Sox are also reportedly set to pick up former Dodger Hanley Ramirez, who will play center field for the team, CBS Sports reported on Monday. The deal would presumably mean that the Red Sox are likely to trade away current center fielder Yoenis Cespedes.
CBS News reported that Sandoval settled on a nearly $100 million price tag for the five-year deal, beating out competing offers from the Giants and the San Diego Padres. According to the Chronicle, the Giants had offered Sandoval a $95 million five-year deal, but had been open to raising it to $100 million.
Sandoval, who has been with the team since 2008, played a key role in the Giants' 2014 World Series drive. He boasted a .366 post-season batting average and made the final game-winning catch in Game 7 that clinched the championship for the Giants.
The departure came as disappointing news to Giants fans, for whom the Panda had become a crowd favorite. Fans frequently sported Panda hats, masks and even full body suits to games.
If this is the last image of Pablo Sandoval in a #sfgiants uni, what a glorious image it is. pic.twitter.com/xS1zTXYlwd— Matt Leland (@MattLeland) November 24, 2014
Bye, Panda. We'll miss you. pic.twitter.com/A0U6DFaCho— 7x7SF (@7x7) November 24, 2014
I just felt a great disturbance, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced. Panda hat vendors.— Finnerty's (@Finnertys) November 24, 2014
SF Distraught Over Our Now Obsolete Panda Gear http://t.co/ifqO2dqOdT pic.twitter.com/rfGckAn7pC— The Bold Italic (@thebolditalic) November 24, 2014
Pablo, you broke my heart. #SFGiants #PabloSandoval— Trapped in LA (@TrappedInLA) November 24, 2014
Seriously Pabs... How could you do this to us us Giants fans want you back now #SFGiants #PabloSandoval— Olivia Henderson✚ (@livieleigh25) November 24, 2014
I know it's a business and that baseball players come and go, but #PabloSandoval was adored by this city and he'll always be our #Panda.— Rebecca Schwartz (@Mrs_BusterPosey) November 24, 2014
But no one will love Pablo like we do. I thought we had something special. I feel like I'm getting dumped #SFGiants #PabloSandoval— danielle (@danielleizcoolz) November 24, 2014
After the World Series victory in October, Sandoval told reporters that he wanted to be a Giant for the rest of his career, and Giants CEO Larry Baer said re-signing Sandoval was a top priority.
But his status as a World Series hero made him highly sought after, and the Giants were reportedly unwilling to give him the six-year deal he initially wanted. There were also reports that Sandoval wanted to sign with an American League team so that he could eventually be a full-time designated hitter and that he wanted to move closer to his home in Miami.