Red Sox depth chart: Pablo Sandoval could be starting third baseman in 2017

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports that Pablo Sandoval will be given a shot to win the job

The Red Sox's offense in 2016 was remarkably light on weak spots, but third base turned out to be one. Last season, Boston third basemen combined to hit just .242/.306/.380, while the average major-league third baseman had a line of .266/.331/.445. That's a substantial production deficit, as you can see.

For a while it looked like Travis Shaw would stabilize the position, but he got exposed at the plate as the season went on. Top prospect Yoan Moncada is probably the long-term answer, but he likely needs further development time. That brings us back to Pablo Sandoval.

The Red Sox prior to the 2015 season signed Sandoval to a five-year, $95 million contract. Then he went out and put up the worst offensive numbers of his career while also struggling in the field. Last season, he played in just three games before a left shoulder injury -- an injury that eventually required surgery -- ended his 2016 campaign.

Given Sandoval's struggles when healthy and his struggles with conditioning, it's tempted to think that he's been marginalized on the Boston roster and perhaps even a threat to hit the waiver wire at some point. However, it appears that Sandoval will get a shot at redemption just in time for his age-30 season. Here's this from Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe:

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the team has closely monitored Sandoval's condition and believes he will be ready for spring training. Sandoval even requested the opportunity to play winter ball.

Dombrowski and manager John Farrell are committed to giving Sandoval an opportunity. But if he cannot take hold of the job, there are ample candidates eager to take his place.

Sandoval in Boston has become something of a punchline, but let's not forget that he was a highly productive player for almost his entire Giants tenure. As well, even after his 2015 struggles Sandoval still owns an OPS+ of 117. Yes, Sandoval's weight problems mean he likely won't age well, but 30 isn't old. As a switch-hitter with much more thump from the right side, he still makes good sense for Fenway. If he's healthy and freshly committed to taking better care of himself, it's entirely possible that Sandoval can be a useful regular in 2017.

Right now, that seems to be what the Sox are betting on.