The Los Angeles Dodgers have had the biggest payroll in baseball the past few years and have been forced to pay millions of dollars in luxury taxes.
With a couple big contract coming off the books after the 2017 season, the Dodgers payroll is looking much more manageable than the last couple seasons, with them even currently being below the luxury tax threshold which is something the front office has set a goal of doing.
That complicates things in the Dodgers possible pursuit of Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton though, as Stanton has expressed interest in wanting to be traded to the Dodgers, but the Marlins are prioritizing unloading most or all of his remaining 10-year, $295 million contract in a potential deal.
The latest report by Jon Morosi of MLB Network is that the Dodgers are still in contact with the Marlins about Stanton, but his salary could end up being the dealbreaker for Los Angeles:
Source: #Dodgers, #Marlins remaining in contact on Giancarlo Stanton as of Sunday, but there has been no substantial progress in talks. Dodgers continue to harbor concerns about luxury-tax implications. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 3, 2017
The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals have been much more aggressive in their pursuit of Stanton so far, as they have been more willing to take on his salary. Moreover, the Marlins reportedly agreed to trades with Cardinals and Giants.
Stanton has not idicated whether or not he would waive his no-trade clause for either team, although recent reports indicate he would be more likely to do so for the Giants than the Cardinals.
While Stanton holds all the cards in this situation, if the Marlins are not willing to eat a significant portion of his contract then the Dodgers may not be a match, forcing Stanton to accept a trade elsewhere or remain in Miami.
With the Winter Meetings just around the corner, a resolution on Stanton being traded could come sooner rather than later.
