Miami Marlins chief executive officer Derek Jeter and president of baseball operations Michael Hill have openly discussed the club’s desire to trim their payroll for the 2018 season. How the Marlins may ultimately go about that is unsettled, but trading Giancarlo Stanton appears to be an option.
Each day, and in some instances by the hour, there’s been new speculation involving the Marlins and a potential Stanton trade. It’s believed at least eight teams have contacted Miami to discuss the 2017 National League MVP candidate.
The field includes the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. Stanton reportedly will not waive his no-trade clause to join the Red Sox or Cardinals.
Beyond the power to veto any trade, Stanton’s record contract presents another hurdle to the Marlins unloading their star right fielder. His deal does include an opt-out clause that can be exercised after the 2020 season, but it would mean $218 million is left on the table.
Moreover, the Marlins were informed they would need to offset some of Stanton’s remaining salary in order to receive the caliber of prospects one may expect in a trade, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com
Multiple executives from other teams told the Marlins that Stanton’s remaining contract — 10 years, $295 million — is approximately what he would receive as a free agent this winter.
If that is a true industry consensus, that sentiment is very significant: General managers who view Stanton’s contract as being priced fairly in the market won’t want to pay an additional prospect price on top of the salary. As a result, the Marlins likely will need to include cash as a means of “purchasing” high-end prospects in any Stanton trade.
Of the teams publicly connected to Stanton, the Cardinals, Dodgers and Red Sox are those with substantial prospect capital to complete a trade. Though, in the Dodgers’ case, adding Stanton’s salary would mark a significant change from their approach.
Particularly with Clayton Kershaw facing an opt out scenario after the 2018 season, plus that winter’s mega free-agency class.
