Pablo Sandoval Would Be an Ideal Pickup for Boston Red Sox

If the Boston Red Sox can pry Pablo Sandoval away from the San Francisco Giants, it will be their biggest acquisition of the offseason. From the looks of recent reports, Boston's brain trust understands how valuable the Panda can be.

Per Gordon Edes of ESPN.com, the Red Sox are "all-in" on the 28-year-old free-agent third basemen who is reportedly seeking a six-year deal.

While there is some indication that the World Series champions have a solid shot at retaining Sandoval's services, the Red Sox can't be dismissed in any free-agent bidding war.

Aside from having notoriously deep pockets for high-profile players, the Red Sox also have a roster that is a good fit for Sandoval. First and foremost, he plays third base, which has been a difficult position for the Red Sox to fill in recent years.

He's a switch-hitter who hit .317 with 11 HR and 54 RBI from the left side of the plate in 2014. In total, Sandoval hit .279 with 16 HR and 73 RBI in the regular season. Those are solid numbers, but (per usual) Sandoval was at his best in the postseason.

He hit .366 with five RBI in the playoffs and World Series to help the Giants win it all. Boston has a strong need for production from the left side of the plate. Aside from David Ortiz, the Red Sox didn't have another left-handed hitter to drive in 50 runs or more.

Sandoval could most certainly help to fill that void.

While he's a more than capable defensive third basemen, his frame also screams designated hitter or first base. These are two spots that Ortiz currently mans. Even though Big Papi produced his eighth season with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBI in 2014, he will be 39 years old on Tuesday.

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Ortiz hasn't given any indications as to when he'll hang up his spikes, but the Red Sox still have to be looking at potential replacements for him.

Sandoval has played first base and could obviously DH whenever needed. His production from the left side of the plate and position versatility are obvious matches for Boston now and in the future. Beyond that, Sandoval's personality, reputation as a leader, locker room presence and fan-friendly figure also makes him a logical successor to Ortiz.

Ortiz's fun-loving and every-man demeanor is endearing. Sandoval has similar qualities. Those traits are part of the reason Ortiz and Sandoval are among the most recognizable and universally liked players in the sport. The two could bolster Boston's lineup as a duo in 2014, but Sandoval might very well be the face of the franchise with Dustin Pedroia once Ortiz has left.

Now, Boston just needs to get him to sign on the dotted line. Of course, the Giants will have something to say about the way this thing ends. Stay tuned.

All stats per Baseball Reference.