Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton represents the biggest fish on the trading block, but one who may be too large for any club to reel in. The Marlins have shopped the 2017 National League MVP winner for the better part of the offseason.
Trade speculation ramped up at the annual General Managers meetings, but that ultimately proved to be more smoke than fire. Nonetheless, it’s believed the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals submitted trade proposals for the All-Star slugger.
One aspect that’s put a dent in the likelihood of the Marlins moving Stanton is his full no-trade clause. He reportedly will not approve a deal that sends him to either the Cardinals or Giants.
Interested teams believe Stanton, a Southern California native, prefers to be traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Regardless of how the situation may ultimately unfold, there’s a perception an answer will be reached prior to the Winter Meetings beginning on Sunday, Dec. 10, per ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick:
A couple of MLB teams have gotten the sense there could be a resolution to the Giancarlo Stanton situation by the winter meetings Dec. 10. (Either the #Marlins trade him by then, or interested teams determine it's time to branch out and more actively explore their Plan B's).
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 27, 2017
In addition to a full no-trade clause, Stanton’s albatross of a contract — 10 years and $295 million remaining — serve as another hindrance for the Marlins. While the club would like to slash payroll, it’s unlikely a Stanton trade takes place without the Marlins assuming some responsibility for his remaining salary.
While there is justified concern over Stanton’s contract longterm, there’s no denying the 28-year-old is coming off a season in which he batted .281/.376/.631 with 32 doubles, 59 home runs, 132 RBI and a 165 OPS+ in 157 games.
Stanton led the Majors in home runs and RBI en route to becoming the first MVP in Marlins franchise history.
