Red Sox Sign Pablo Sandoval

The Red Sox have signed Pablo Sandoval to a five-year, $100M contract.

How does this affect the Mets? And why might it be good news for the Phillies?

Kung Fu Panda’s choice to leave his heart in San Francisco immediately weakens the Giants (for the moment), so from that perspective, it’s good for the Mets. It could also be good for the Mets in that it creates a surplus of infielders and/or outfielders on the Red Sox roster — surplus that may be dealt this winter. The Mets are reportedly in the market for another righthanded-hitting corner outfielder to play on days that Michael Cuddyer plays first base — maybe that could be Daniel Nava or Allen Craig. Maybe — assuming Sandoval’s signing pushes Hanley Ramirez to the outfield — it means someone like Shane Victorino or Yoenis Cespedes will be made available. On the other hand, maybe Han-Ram plays shortstop, making Xander Bogaerts expendable.

Along the same lines, Boston’s sudden surplus could be leveraged to acquire a big-time ace starter to lead the Red Sox rotation — someone like, say, Cole Hamels.

There is much speculation in the media and by baseball insiders that the Boston’s grand plan is exactly that — and it certainly makes sense. After a last-place phinish in 2014, and not much help coming phrom the pharm anytime soon, the Phillies have to make drastic changes to be relevant in 2015 — and their most valuable chip to trade is Hamels.

What could Hamels bring back in a deal with Boston? I could very easily see a package consisting of Cespedes, Bogaerts, Will Middlebrooks, Joe Kelly, Mookie Betts, and/or a top pitching prospect such as Henry Owens or Brian Johnson. Such a haul — and GM Ruben Amaro, Jr., HAS to get such a haul in return for Hamels — would allow the Phillies to deal Jimmy Rollins and/or Ryan Howard for more youth and/or pitching, and just like that, the team’s future is looking slightly brighter.

Dealing Hamels is probably what the Phillies need to do, but all signs suggest that Amaro will only make a deal that’s overwhelming. Does Boston have enough to do that? I’m not sure; I’d think Amaro would require more in the way of MLB-ready pitching — though, if the Phillies project former Cardinal Kelly as a starter, he could be enough.

Regardless, it will be interesting to watch Boston’s next moves, as it’s clear they are reloading for the immediate future. I could definitely see them dealing Cespedes to the Mets for a starting pitcher such as Dillon Gee, Jonathon Niese, or Bartolo Colon.

What’s your thought? Do you think the Red Sox and Mets match up on a deal? Will the Phillies send Hamels packing to Boston? Post your thoughts in the comments.