Blake Sabol

Blake Joseph Sabol (born January 7, 1998) is an American professional baseball catcher and outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox. He played college baseball at the University of Southern California. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Sabol in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2023.

Early life Sabol was born and raised in Aliso Viejo, California, to Carmalita Brown and Rob Sabol. His father played college baseball at California State University, Long Beach.

Sabol's mother is from American Samoa, and Sabol grew up among a Samoan community in California. Troy Polamalu, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is his second cousin; his mother used to babysit Polamalu.

Amateur career Sabol attended Aliso Niguel High School ('16) in Aliso Viejo. In high school he batted .338/.418/.498 with 11 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 43 stolen bases in 44 attempts in 126 games, playing catcher, outfield, and first base. He also played basketball and football in high school. In 2017, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League, and returned to the league in 2018 with the Chatham Anglers where he was named a league all-star after batting .340(4th in the league)/.445(7th)/.573(4th) in 103 at bats with 28 runs (5th), seven home runs (3rd), 21 walks (5th), and 14 stolen bases (2nd). As a junior in 2019, he played in 55 games and batted .268/.346/.368 in 231 at bats with 37 runs, three home runs, and 22 RBIs. In college on defense he played 70 games in left field, 55 games at catcher, and 12 in center field. He signed with the Pirates for a signing bonus of $247,500, and made his professional debut with the Low-A West Virginia Black Bears with whom he hit .245/.350/.351 in 208 at bats with two home runs and 22 RBIs over 57 games. On defense, he played 20 games in right field, 13 in left field, and 8 in center field. Over 123 games between the two teams, he slashed .284/.363/.497 in 447 at bats with 74 runs, 26 doubles, 19 home runs, and 75 RBIs. He was 5th in the Eastern League with five triples.

San Francisco Giants On December 7, 2022, Sabol was selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the fourth overall pick in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 draft. He was then traded 90 minutes later to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for right-hander Jake Wong and cash considerations. Sabol joked: "Cincinnati Reds legend. Never lost a game in a Reds uniform." On March 26, 2023, after he batted .348 with a 1.105 OPS in spring training, it was announced that Sabol made San Francisco's Opening Day roster. In 110 games for San Francisco, Sabol hit .236/.301/.394 with 13 home runs and 44 RBI.

Sabol was optioned to the Triple–A Sacramento River Cats to begin the 2024 season. He made 11 appearances for San Francisco, slashing .313/.421/.375 with no home runs and one RBI. On January 11, 2025, Sabol was designated for assignment following the signing of Justin Verlander.

Boston Red Sox On January 15, 2025, the Giants traded Sabol to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for international bonus pool space. He was optioned to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox to begin the season. On April 8, Sabol was called up to the Red Sox after starting catcher Connor Wong was placed on the 10-day injured list. In eight appearances for Boston, he went 2-for-16 (.125) with one RBI and one walk. On June 1, Sabol was designated for assignment by the Red Sox. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Worcester on June 5.

Chicago White Sox On July 12, 2025, Sabol was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations; he was subsequently assigned to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. He made 23 appearances for Charlotte, batting .216/.326/.378 with three home runs and 13 RBI. Sabol was released by the White Sox organization on November 5.

Tampa Bay Rays On January 7, 2026, Sabol signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.