One of the biggest question marks this offseason is whether or not the Miami Marlins will move forward with trading Giancarlo Stanton. The team has made it clear trimming payroll for next season is a priority, but have stopped short of committing to dealing the 2017 National League MVP.
With Stanton believed to be on the market in at least some capacity, the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals are among the teams publicly connected to the slugger. The Cardinals were said to have re-engaged the Marlins on trade talks at the General Managers meetings.
That’s despite Stanton holding a full no-trade clause, which he reportedly will not waive to approve a deal with the Cardinals or Red Sox. It’s not believed he holds the same viewpoint toward the Giants.
Previous reports indicated San Francisco was one of the more aggressive suitors for the four-time All-Star. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Giants presented the Marlins with a trade offer for Stanton:
The San Francisco Giants have made a proposal to the Miami Marlins for Stanton, and the Marlins expect to receive or have received bids from the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox as well, according to major league sources. Other, unidentified clubs also have told the Marlins they will submit offers for Stanton, but the process is just beginning, sources said.
It’s unclear if the Giants’ trade package primarily hinges on providing the Marlins with salary relief, or if it includes a balance of top prospects. That being said, the San Francisco farm system is one that’s been depleted by several trades in recent seasons.
The Marlins were recently informed by clubs they would be expected to pay a portion of Stanton’s remaining salary if they wished to receive elite prospects in any trade. The lower the amount Miami covers, the less attractive their return becomes.
Stanton can opt out of his contract after the 2020 season, but it would require him to leave a guaranteed $218 million on the table over seven seasons. He signed a record deal of 13 years and $325 million in November 2014.
Stanton agreed to backload the contract in effort to provide the Marlins with immediate financial flexibility that would aid in structuring a competitive team. They went 71-91 in 2015, 79-82 last season, and 77-85 this year.
