Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton has already generated plenty of buzz at the GM Meetings. Perhaps that’s unsurprising, given that his massive contract represents a key factor in the Miami organization’s offseason — and those of the teams that will consider acquiring it. Given the unique circumstances at play, perhaps it wouldn’t be surprising if he were to be dealt at a relatively early stage.
Here’s the latest:
- The Dodgers are indeed in the mix for Stanton, tweets MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. To what extent Los Angeles is interested remains unclear, but the Dodgers certainly have the payroll capacity to take on the contract as well as the young talent in order to entice the Marlins to part with Stanton.
- Stanton actually has not ruled out the Red Sox — or, it seems, any other organizations — according to a report from Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston. While the slugger may have initial preferences, Drellich writes that he’s maintaining a “’completely’ open mind.” It’s ultimately not too surprising to hear some competing information flying about Stanton’s approach, for the reasons Goold explores in the below-linked piece. But if the slugger is indeed willing to entertain any possibilities, then that will presumably make for a more wide-open process — and keep things interesting right up to the point that Stanton weighs an actual opportunity t change teams, should it arise.
Earlier Updates
- The Giants have at times given signals of going big for Stanton (or another expensive player) or instead trying to stay under the luxury tax line. But it seems the organization is engaged with the Marlins in earnest. Per MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, via Twitter, the clubs are discussing Giants prospect Heliot Ramos as a possible element of a hypothetical return for Stanton. San Francisco is joined by at least three others in chasing the slugger at this point, he adds. (Those looking for subtle signals will also note that Giants GM Bobby Evans and Marlins president of baseball ops Michael Hill were spotted on a joint foyer foray this morning, as John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets.)
- Jon Heyman of Fan Rag, meanwhile, hears at least seven clubs have shown some level of interest in Stanton, noting that the Marlins front office is “encouraged” by the early dialogue. Front office sources from other organizations framed things a bit differently; ESPN.com’s Buster Olney tweets that there’s a perception that the Marlins are seeking a “shockingly high” package for the rights to pay Stanton at a premium rate, particularly since his deal includes an opt-out clause.
- Importantly, per Heyman, Miami is said to be open to hanging on to some of Stanton’s contract. Additionally, the team is focused on achieving value rather than on getting young pitching, specifically.
- Of course, Stanton’s own preferences hold the final say in any deal. While it’s far from certain, there are rumblings that Stanton is not inclined to approve a swap that would send him to the Cardinals or Red Sox, as Chad Jennings of the Boston Herald reports. If nothing else, anything less than a full blessing from Stanton with regard to a given organization would likely complicate any effort to finalize a deal.
- The no-trade clause obviously ties into the subject of leverage, which is a key issue for the Fish, as Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch explains. Since Miami would do well to keep its cards close to the vest with regard to Stanton’s preferences, the information flow is critical to the Marlins’ effort to maximize their return while finding a landing spot Stanton that will authorize.
- While the Red Sox “may have checked in” on Stanton, they seem to be focused elsewhere. And the Dodgers haven’t engaged yet at all, Heyman adds. Both of those teams were highlighted by MLBTR as among the best fits on paper for the star slugger.
So basically the same as yesterday.
And the day before that.
And likely tomorrow.
Yes. And tomorrow too.
And next month.
Next year?
Goodness, a trade for Stanton becomes 10X more complicated each day
I don’t believe that the trade gets more complicated….. I think the writers need something to write about so they make it more complicated.
It remains a pretty straightforward deal.
Agreed
Just Remember there is always a dark horse team out there. And I just read something on the Bleacher Report on who this team is. There looking to give some top prospects and maybe a major league player.
lol it was never stightforword you need to find the right return, the right financial situation and get him to agree to the trade that’s complicated
I imagine Stanton’s agent is letting specific teams know exactly which teams he will agree to sign off on.
He can’t, in baseball, unlike football and basketball, the agent isn’t allowed to get involved.
That makes no sense, it is his job to represent his player. Why would an agent not be allowed to give information from the player they employ to the employer?
That’s the old way of doing things, now the player does all the talking and the agent just takes his commission…advanced metrics showed this to be a much more efficient way of doing business
I’m not really sure I follow all of the points being made here, but …
Other teams can’t communicate with Stanton or his reps since he is under contract with the Marlins … unless Miami authorizes it, which likely wouldn’t occur unless it was close to a deal and Stanton needed to get comfortable with the possible trade partner.
But certainly Stanton’s reps can discuss him with the Marlins front office.
Exactly!
Now….If he was a Free Agent….. he and his agent would be talking directly with the other teams…..
I don’t think agents can talk to other teams in football and basketball without the current team’s permission. I’ve heard of football players’ agents that “get permission to seek a trade.”
If Stanton’s agent were to do this he’d be sanctioned and any team he talked probably would too.
Because it’s the teams job, Stanton already has a guaranteed contract in place, his agent may have been present or even relayed the info about teams he would prefer but it’s the organizations job to talk to other teams about where he would be willing to go and what it would take. Furthermore the front office would want to keep Stanton’s preferences internal to ensure the maximum return.
Basketball/football works so much different, the lack of guaranteed contracts, the fact that those 2 sports are more of a team sport and they have systems, certain players won’t work in other teams system & salary caps, these reasons give agents a need to get involved for the betterment of their clients financial future, baseball contracts are for the most part guaranteed negating the need for an agent once a contract is signed. All of these in addition to the fact that the MLBPA is one of the strongest unions on earth.
Lol I hear ya!
He is going to the Angels….
They need pitching…after getting hamstrung by the Hamilton/Pujols contracts and recently re-upping with Upton I find it highly unlikely that they go after Stanton…I could be wrong but I hope I’m not
I don’t think it will happen, but could you imagine an outfield of Trout, Upton, and Stanton. Good grief.
Plus they don’t have an abundance prospects so they’d be on the eating money side of the fence in that deal
Exactly. This has the Angels written all over it. Trout Stanton and Upton as the 3 4 and 5 hitters. Move Calhoun to first. And sign Moustakas and you got a deep lineup.
Who pitches for the Angels? Richards, whose arm is about to come apart at any second, Shoemaker that never know what is going to happen and then?
What about the BP? It’s not exactly top half of the league either. Why exactly does anaheim want, or need another bat when the pitching is awful?
Angels have Heaney, Tropeano, Skaggs, Shoemaker, Richards, JC Ramirez, Parker Bridwell, and Alex Meyer are all starters. Trade Calhoun with a mid level pitching prospect to MIA for Stanton, have Valbuena play 3rd run with C.J. at 1st and bring back Aybar as a low risk signing to play 2nd. With JUp, Trout and Stanton to protect CJ, Pujols and Valbuena all bats should perform…..
thats terrible
The Angels finished 7th in the AL in team ERA. Finished top 5 in bullpen ERA. That with Norris Nolasco and Chavez in the Angels rotation. Finished 12th in the majors in team ERA. Even if the Angels do trade for Stanton, they will still have over 30 million to fill their other needs. It’s not about prospects for the Marlins, it’s about getting from under that contract. The Marlins can get better prospects for Yalick and Osuna. Probably misspelled the names. Why would anyone choose to get seeing eye single Cron over Calhoun? Calhoun can play first base.
There are at least 5 other teams that will offer a package better than what the Angels will do. And yes, the Marlins do want prospects. It’s about money, but they can’t just give him up as a salary dump because of the PR side of it. They need something in return, and they will get it. Boston, LA, St Louis, and Houston will all offer something better, and probably some sleeper teams too.
If you was about prospects, he would be going to St Louis or Boston. But because of his full No Trade Clause. That elements every team with a deep farm system except for the Dodgers. Since the Dodgers have no interest, that will leave the Marlins taking the best offer they can get. And like I said earlier, the Angels will still have over 30 million to fill other needs. I guess 30 million can’t get you a couple of relievers. Lol
You really haven’t been watching the angels if youre claiming Calhoun can play first. He only played first in times of emergency. Lets gets real here
Keep Calhoun in right and put Stanton at 1B.
Do you realistically think they have money for Stanton, after having pujols and trouts contracts on the books, as well as recently resigning upton. Then you would want to sign moustakas for another 80 million? Where is this money coming from? If you do that, kiss trout goodbye when his contract is up.
THE ANGELS NEED A BULLPEN, not a $30M/year contract on their books for 9 years.
so he won’t go to Boston: Rules out Boston
so he won’t go to St Louis: Rules out St Louis
Won’t go to a non contender: Rules out Philadelphia and San Fran
So… the 4 teams that actually showed interest get shot in the foot by Stanton’s preferences.
If the Cardinals miss out on Stanton, I say let’s get a closer and then wait until next year and spend big.
They’ll get outbid by big market teams like the Yankees for example who will have quashed their luxury tax.
Kaido you must jest. The Cardinals and Yankees have about the same projected payroll for 2018 as it stands now.
Regardless, I’ll be shocked if the Cardinals sign one of the big name free agents like Harper or Machado next offseason.
What does that have to do with the Yankees Payroll after 2018?
I think they would be better off going after JD Martinez anyways, not have to give up any young talent to get him and will be cheaper.
JD to the Red Sox. 80+%
Don’t the Red Sox need power from the left side?
I think the cardinals are, or should, just start seeing what the Marlins want for Yelich
I agree with part of that Cards81. But ….. although I have the highest regard for Michael Girsch, Mozeliak is apparently still calling the shots. Mo’s past history tells the tale. Choose the biggest name the could possibly name in obtaining during the off season. Make it public they have talked to their agent or that players team. Then his favorite line is, “We just came up a little short!” “We’ll just build from within!”
Hypothetically, and I’m not saying I would want a trade to take place because I’m sure it would cost too much – but what do you guys think it would take for the Yankees to get Stanton. Money and prospect wise?
Frazier, Torres, Sheffield and stuff would be what I would want if I were them.
Note this is a hypothetical answer to a hypothetical question. There is no way in hell the Yankees are going to trade the prospects it would take to get him nor take on the money it would add to payroll.
That’s probably too much… maybe a package of Miguel Andujdar and Albert Abreu or Jorge Guzman… Marlins will prob cover about 25-30 million.
lol you can want all you like then you wake up and realize it was all a dream
Start with an elite pitching prospect or young, controllable MLB arm. Then add 2-3 other good prospects.
Heliot Ramos would be a good start, but hopefully a guy like Tyler Beede is in the talks too along with Ramos coming to Miami.
YOu could get three of the Giants top 5 prospects and it would still be very very light.
Agree with this. I look at the long-term and wouldn’t be upset if the Giants are mediocre for a few seasons, trade off some players if possible just to get prospects to build system. Farm needs to be rebuilt for long-term success.
well I disagree that it would be light considering the opt out but I don’t think the giants should do it – they actually had to sign people off the street, literally to fill out their minor league rosters – the one thing that they can’t do is trade away any prospects no matter who they get in return.
The opt out is actually a good thing for the team trading for Stanton. It isn’t the 1st 3 years at $77 million teams are afraid of, it’s the next 7 at $208.
If they get good enough production out of Stanton for 3 years that he would opt out, then they would have received a bargain regardless of who the prospects they gave up were. He isn’t going to opt out unless he produces close to a 5 WAR on average.
Call me crazy but 210 for 7 years going into 21’ when he’ll be 31 seems like a fair argument as to why he might not opt out. Especially with teams non willingness to extend past a certain age lately. I guess we shall see a good sample size this winter especially in Martinez. Oh and there also is major injury that has to be accounted for. So it may seem like a bargain, but quite possibly and realistically might be an albatross especially at market value.
Send Christian Arroyo back home to Florida
For what?
In a package for Stanton
Come-on-man!!!
Lol he wants a contender but won’t go to the Cardinals or Red Sox….so basically he’s going to throw a fit till he gets traded to the dodgers (won’t happen)
I don’t believe anything the Boston Globe reports.
Can’t fault Stanton for wanting to go where he wants. Between his no trade, the contract and his opt out its going to eliminate a lot of teams.
Much like Griffey did with the Mariners I see Stanton narrowing down the list to perhaps even just one team.
I’m going to say the Dodgers with some form of Puig, Verdugo and Urias going back. (much like the Piazza deal years ago Puig would likely then be flipped off for another prospect)
Between wanting to get out of contract and the no trade the Marlins aren’t going to get that great of return without eating say 75% of the contract
I think a solid prospect like Verdugo, a injury wildcard like Urias (could be outstanding but also could be done that surgery doesn’t have a great success ratio, and of course a cuban replacement in Puig that they could market or flip for something.
In the end I think all they would be left with for Stanton is Verdugo
Well said, I agree with all except if they get Puig I think they hang onto him as the Cuban market in Miami is huge and he would be a good draw to bring fans into the ballpark. I can see the reasoning for flipping him for sure but they also need to sell tickets.
Loria was all over that cuban market thing, no telling what the Jeter group will do. Looking like they just want to line pockets so far with revenue sharing dollars
I wouldn’t be shocked if they kept Puig in this scenerio, but he is hardly what I would call the Yankee way which I think Jeter will value more in players.
If Stanton says he will only accept trade to Dodgers. They would be lucky to get anything back in a trade. Dodgers won’t be competing against cards or Boston prospects. Marlins would have no leverage. Stanton is basically a free agent who can choose his destination. Marlins shot themsleves in the foot when they said they are looking to trade Stanton, dee Gordon, and Prado.
If Stanton is really calling the shots on where he is traded too then it appears he wants to go to the West Coast somewhere.
The Dodgers aren’t taking on his salary do that leaves the Giants and Angels as destination points. Both of those teams have uninspiring farm systems.
If the Dodgers were willing to take on that salary then it would be a forgone conclusion he was going to the Dodgers but it appears they are not.
If he is going to play hardball on where he wants to go then tell him that you are not trading him and he can stay around for the rebuild maybe that will change his tune.
There will be a sleeper team. Don’t rule out the Rockies or maybe even Mariners. The Mariners could also trade Cruz and have his long-term replacement in Stanton. Rockies have the payroll, need, and prospects to get a deal done as well.
If the Marlins eat half that contract any team that refuses it would be insane. Even short term with the opt out Stanton is well worth 12-13 million a year
I would be shocked if the Marlins ate half the contract. There biggest reason to trade him is salary relief. If they want to go into full rebuild mode they have other much more valuable assets to trade.
The Marlins won’t eat any of his contract if he opts out. $77 million is a bargain for Stanton over the next 3 seasons. It’s after 2020 that is scary to teams.
Of course he’s calling the shots Bruin…
If he really is then I would tell him you aren’t getting traded enjoy the rebuild. If he blocks a trade where the Marlins really like the return.
He is calling the shots in terms of choosing where he will not play at minimum.
“Stanton is not inclined to approve a swap that would send him to the Cardinals or Red Sox, as Chad Jennings of the Boston Herald reports. ”
That article doesn’t even mention St. Louis. lol
Stanton has yet to publicly state anything concerning where he would want to be traded other than he wants to play on a “winning club”.
But it does: “A baseball source said yesterday that he’s been told Stanton will not accept a trade to either the Red Sox or the Cardinals … .”
Of course he hasn’t commented publicly. He likely won’t before he’s traded. But he has told the Marlins at least something about what he’s willing to do. And perhaps he has told other peoples (or his agent has).
We haven’t fanned any flames here. We don’t cite vague reports that are clearly based on speculation.
If it is true, I guess the Cardinals better start putting their effort in finding a power bat else where.
Nice catch, I missed it by looking for St Louis rather than Cardinals.
The way it looks though is Stanton may be staying put.
I think Stanton goes to either the Cards or the Dodgers, The Cards have young pitching that the Marlins would want and so does the Cards. Jeter would be looking at pitcher like Weaver, Buehler or Alverez or Flaherty. Stanton may be a better deal than either Harper or Machado.
You must not of read the article it appears that Stanton is not willing to go to either the Cards or Red Sox and if that is true then no he won’t be going to the Cards.
Just go after Yelich and forget the Stanton Sweepstakes
I agree I think that is the cards plan next is to try to get Yelich and take on Ziegler to get him and Yelich. Would they go after Ozuna too and try to get all 3?
yelich and ozuna would be awesome but then you have to find a place for Pham and fowler so i don’t think that is realistic…But if the Marlins want to shed contract then taking Ziegler would hopefully convince them to trade Yelich
Nats should trade Harper-and then make a deal for subsidized Stanton-In the end will come out with a franchise player at a fixed cost
I doubt they will do that but it’s a very interesting idea. One that I haven’t seen before. Harper will command much more that what is left on Stanton’s deal and he will ask for an opt-out in a few years as well, maybe even 2 opt-outs.
Stanton’s gonna have to compromise at some point. Being he doesn’t seem inclined to stay in Miami, or any rebuilding clubs, he’s going to have to go somewhere suboptimal. Cards/Red Sox would give him the most he’s asking for.
Just and FYI Red Sox, if you miss out on JD and Stanton, Kemp is available for a very discounted rate
I’m sure DD will pass on that one rather just go with what is their already. Braves can keep Kemp.
If the Braves ate all of his salary and accepted a single baseball in return I’d still say “hard pass.”
Boston should pass on all three and wait for Harper in 2018 lol.
Stanton’s going to LAD
gad…. Giants should not trade Ramos! it seems like everyone that starts in the system is immediately dealt without giving a chance to develop – it is why the system is so weak, the FO really ought to be holding on to inventory right now and building come this draft and some smaller trades while some of the big contracts fall off in the next couple of years..
If I have a contract I’m paying on and can no longer afford the payments I try to sell it for what is owed.
The Marlins will be lucky to sell another team on the contract owed. To expect anything more then that is unrealistic IMO…
As a Cardinals fan , Stanton just went from being awesome to being a tool in the time it took me to read the headline.
I mean, there aren’t a whole lot of multi-millionaires that would want to move to Missouri if there were alternatives.
I just want Stanton to be dealt so these rumors die. It’s something different everyday surrounding his name. If I had to guess he will still end up in STL or Boston if not he stays in Miami.
If Stanton wanted to go to a Midwest team to win it would be the Cubs,but he wants the left coast…
“Left coast”… I like that. The left coast is wayyyy better than the right coast.
Is it really the left coast if you are facing due south though?
True… and I think the world ends if you are facing East or West. Forward and back coast? Yikes
Think Chemistry… the up coast and the down coast.
If he gets traded I hope it’s to LAD, if not just stay in Miami.
My post from 11/11 looking likely so far:
“IMO, if the fish are hell-bent on trading Stanton somebody is getting a bargain. Factor in the $, his opt out and most importantly his no trade and the fish are hamstrung. The no trade alone probably limits the trade pool to about 4 teams (sorry flyover country you’re sucking hind tit on this one). If I was Stanton, I would choose the only team I will waive my no trade for and tell Jeter & Co. to get it done. You are going to hear leaks about all kind of suitors and Jeter and the boys wanting to move quickly, but they are just messenger boys in this process. Stanton controls this process and no one else, all he has to do is bide his time and he will end up exactly where he wants to go and the fish end up w/ an underwhelming return.”
If Jete & the boys back down and says we aren’t trading Stanton, no sweat he signed a 10yr deal expecting to be in Miami anyway.
Eh, I don’t think that’s the case at all. Stanton definitely has the say, but I don’t think he just picked 1 team and said get it done. He will, and would be smart to, let Miami talk with everyone and get as many options as possible. Once the options come in, then he can weigh each one against the idea of staying in Miami. He might have a favorite in his mind, but I think he would accept anything on the West coast, as well as probably Boston and St Louis if no other offers somehow came in. He doesn’t want to be in Miami for another rebuild, and he knows very well that that is what will happen with Yelich and Osuna already on the block.
Point is, if Jeter said you can either go to San Fran, St Louis, or stay here, I bet he chooses to go. Stanton can have his favorite, but I highly doubt it is that one favorite or he stays.
Such eloquent writing.
“the Marlins are seeking a “shockingly high” package for the rights to pay Stanton at a premium rate”
“at least seven clubs have shown some level of interest in Stanton”
I think your post is way off base.
I think with the Dodgers in now the Cardinals should just work on getting Yelich and Ziegler as the Dodgers meet most of if not all of what Stanton wants.
I just can’t see yelich getting traded. Under control and cheap and will be the face of the franchise when Stanton is gone. Ownership can’t afford to give up all three outfielders in 2 years from a fan morale perspective.
Batting 3rd for the Los Angeles Dodgers: GIANCARLO STANTON. Sounds good to me
Please please please Dodgers!!!
Taylor
Seager
Turner
Stanton
Bellinger
Puig
Barnes
Forsythe
They’d still find a way to lose in the playoffs. My new favorite to land Stanton is Houston…purely to spite the Dodgers.
I’ll take him (wink, wink). How about Springer, Altuve, Bregman, Correa and Stanton in the same lineup? A few pitchers would have stomach upset and shoulder sprains the day they need to face that lineup. Trust me, Luhnow is in the mix – he just doesn’t say anything until the deal is done. He may not get him, but he’s talking.
And oh by the way. Beltran, Gregerson full year contracts off the books (total $22M/year), and Maybin, Liriano, Clippard 2-month pay ($6M total) off the books. Adds up to $28M/year off the books. Stanton comes in at $29.5M/year. Neat. May not happen, but just saying.
Stanton is just $25,25, and 26 million for the next 3 years. Can you imagine him hitting to that LF porch in Houston?
It would be insane. Astros led majors in scoring runs at almost 5.6 runs per game, and were second in the majors in home runs (238) behind the Yankees 241. And they did that with Correa missing 2 months, Springer missing a month. Add Stanton to that mix – he may hit 70 with Minute Maid as his home, and even if you subtract Beltran’s 14 , you would be looking at a 300 home run, 6-7 runs a game team.
I’d put Stanton 3rd, Bellinger cleanup, turner 5th. Best lineup in the NL
Angels don’t need Stanton, and they don’t want another big contract on there payroll. I hope they sign Todd Frazier or Mike Moustakas. Another potential match would be Gerrit Cole, the Pirates have been shopping him lately. Angels need healthy pitchers.
It seems to me that there’s a deal that could be made here. Stanton has three issues in his contract-the overall price, the risk of an opt-out, and the risk of a non-opt out because of injury or underperformance. Miami wants out of the financial obligation, but can’t give Stanton away and needs talent in return. Stanton gets paid $25/$26/$26 for his pre opt-out years. At his level of performance, there’s excess value in those years that and worth getting talent back in return. Maybe a ML ready player and a couple of prospects. Starting in 2021, his salary rises, and so does the risk to the acquiring team, so Miami offers a hedge. If Stanton opts out, no payments. If he doesn’t, Miami kicks in Maybe $30-40M
Yeah. I think this makes the most sense too. I am not sure we have seen anything like it, or if there are any rules that could keep it from happening.
I wouldnt trade Stanton to the Giants for anything less than chris Shaw, Heliot Ramos, Andrew Suarez, and Jacob Gonzalez.
I kinda would rather the Giants keep Shaw than Arroyo
The Marlins aren’t getting any prospects back. They are dumping salary. you can’t dump 300MM on another team and ask for prospects.
Lol so they are just going to give him away to the team they like the most during the meetings? Bold strategy.
What the heck! Kershaw comes of the books when he opts out.
Stanton, if he leaves Miami, goes to either Boston Red Sox or Los Angeles Dodgers. These are the two best coastal teams, favorites to win their respective divisions in 2018.
These are also the two teams that can best afford Stanton’s contract in its entirety. Lets not forget that Miami’s new owners have to shed payroll to meet their monthly payments to the bank(s) and their payroll. If the get any prospects it will be a plus for them but their main goal is to dump the $295M still owed to Stanton.
Whatever is said by whomever between now and when the deal is consummated is part of the jockeying that always goes on to get one party to make some kind of a move when trades are being worked out..