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Pablo Sandoval is looking to make an MLB comeback in 2024, potentially suiting up for a familiar organization. “Kung Fu Panda” as he’s best known, he was recently given a Spring Training opportunity with the San Francisco Giants.
He stunned fans with an incredible transformation upon returning to the diamond, and as it turns out, it was the reason he was added to the club.
Sandoval was signed to a minor league deal this offseason with hopes of returning to the bigs. He hasn’t played in the MLB since the 2021 season, which he spent in Atlanta.
Why did San Francisco take a chance on the 37-year-old veteran? One exec filled followers in this week.
“We had to sign Pablo because the workout videos he was sending me were taking up all the space on my phone,” said president of baseball ops Farhan Zaidi.
Farhan Zaidi on the Giants adding Pablo Sandoval to camp: “We had to sign Pablo because the workout videos he was sending me were taking up all the space on my phone.”
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) February 19, 2024
Sandoval has been working hard to get back, hoping to make his return to Oracle Park this summer.
“I came here to fight for a spot,” he said after being signed Monday.
Lots of love for the return of the Panda 🐼 @KFP48 pic.twitter.com/6aUHdesQAq
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) February 19, 2024
His progress has definitely shown.
Images of Pablo Sandoval’s transformation have been circulating social media as he looks much different than that 270-pound wrecking ball seen in his last MLB appearance.
Pablo Sandoval looks to be in the best shape of his life.
Photo on the left is from his most recent MLB season (2021). Photo on the right is right now (2024). pic.twitter.com/NRPTrBrDZZ
— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) February 20, 2024
The infielder became a fan favorite in San Francisco as a member of those Giants World Series teams. Over his 11 seasons with the club, he hit .285 with 135 home runs and 569 runs batted in.
He’s hoping to show off his new frame in the Bay very soon.