While the offseason has been slower than usual as the calendar inches closer to December and the Winter Meetings, there has been no shortage of trade rumors revolving Miami Marlins superstar Giancarlo Stanton.
With new ownership at the helm, the Marlins are aggressively exploring ways to part ways with Stanton in an effort to drastically lower its payroll. As many as eight teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, have already inquired with Miami about a potential trade.
There’s concern for East Coast clubs pursuing the 28-year-old, however, as Stanton reportedly prefers to play in his home state of California. With full veto power, that doesn’t bode well for other organizations such as the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, who have the financial and prospect capital to complete a deal.
Via Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston, the Red Sox only have a minuscule chance, at best, to acquire the 2017 home run champion:
One baseball source with knowledge of the Red Sox’ thinking on Tuesday called them “an extreme long shot” as things stand now for a number of reasons.
The Red Sox would be an ideal landing spot for Stanton on paper, as the club is looking for a significant offensive piece to add to its lineup this offseason. Moving to the American League would allow the Panorama City, Calif. native to receive additional opportunities as a designated hitter, and perhaps improving his longevity on the field.
But if Stanton is intent on playing closer to his hometown, that drastically narrows the field for the Marlins. The club has reportedly warned Stanton that if he vetoes any deal, he’ll remain in Miami next season.
West Coast clubs that have expressed interest in Stanton prominently include the San Francisco Giants, who have already formally made an offer to the Marlins, and Dodgers, who have yet to gain traction in trade talks.
