Bruce Bochy isn’t surprised by Pablo Sandoval’s comeback attempt

Bruce Bochy and Pablo Sandoval have been through a lot.

Bochy, who is fresh off of a 2023 World Series championship in his first year as manager of the Texas Rangers, spent thirteen seasons with the San Francisco Giants (2007-2019).

Of those 13 seasons, Sandoval was on Bochy’s roster for ten seasons as the pair enjoyed three World Series titles (2010, 2012, 2014) as the Giants became one of baseball’s greatest dynasties in recent memory.

While Bochy has turned the page as he looks to repeat with the Rangers, Sandoval is back in Spring Training with San Francisco as he attempts to don the orange and black one more time at the age of 37.

During Cactus League media day, Bochy made it clear that he isn’t surprised to see his former third baseman back in Major League camp.

“I knew he had the drive, the passion to get back in, so good for him,” Bochy said of Sandoval. “He’s getting an invite to major league camp and getting to show what he can do. He looks good from the videos I saw. I haven’t seen him in person yet, but I sent him a text last night saying congratulations.

“He worked hard. You know Pablo. He has always loved the game and I can see, even when he’s done, he should stay in the game as a coach or whatever he wants to do, because the guy plays the game the way you love players to play. He has the joy and enthusiasm.”

While coaching could be in Sandoval’s future, he will hope to spend 2024 calling Oracle Park home for the first time since 2020. Bochy believes in his former player. Now, it’s time to see if ‘Panda’ has what it takes to crack new manager Bob Melvin’s roster.

More on Pablo Sandoval

Following a successful run with the Giants from 2008-14, Sandoval inked a five-year, $95 million contract with the Boston Red Sox leading into the 2015 season.

Upon joining Boston, Sandoval’s play regressed as the two-time All-Star hit .237 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI over parts of three seasons (161 games) before the Red Sox released the infielder from his contract in 2018.

Following his release, ‘Panda’ rejoined San Francisco for a successful 2018-19 stretch that saw him bat .259 while hitting 23 home runs and driving in 81 RBI over 200 games. Sandoval played with the Atlanta Braves from 2020-21 before the then-34-year-old reached a cross-roads in his MLB career.

Sandoval played in the Mexican League during the 2022-23 seasons and played in the Dubai-based ‘Baseball United’ league along with retired or aged stars like Robinson Cano and Bartolo Colon.

Now, the beloved Giant will attempt to join an MLB roster and prove that he has more in the tank regarding his professional career.

SF Giants Schedule

Spring Training

• February 13-15th – Pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training workouts
• Tuesday, February 20th – Full squad workouts begin
• Saturday, February 24th – Spring Training opener vs. Chicago Cubs

Regular Season

• Thursday, March 28th-Sunday, March 31st – @ San Diego Padres
• Monday, April 1st-Wednesday, April 3rd – @ Los Angeles Dodgers
• Friday, April 5th-Sunday, April 7th – vs. San Diego Padres

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