TORONTO – Preparing to formally introduce prized addition Russ Martin on Thursday, the Toronto Blue Jays continue to be linked to Pablo Sandoval although they don’t appear to be hot after the free agent third baseman at the moment.
Industry sources told Sportsnet colleague Ben Nicholson-Smith and myself the Blue Jays haven’t made any offers for Sandoval, but remain in the mix for him. After signing Martin for $82 million over five years, it’s believed they aren’t actively engaged with any free agents at the moment.
Multiple reports out of Boston say the Red Sox have an offer on the table for Panda, and they appear to be the front-runners for him.
Sandoval would certainly be a fit for the Blue Jays given their need for either a second or third baseman and a left-handed power presence to support Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. A meeting between his agent and the club last week at the GM meetings was said to have gone well, but nothing sounds imminent.
Sportsnet One and sportsnet.ca will carry the Martin news conference live starting at 2 p.m.