With new ownership at the helm, the Miami Marlins made it clear that shedding the bulk of superstar Giancarlo Stanton’s record-setting contract was its top priority this offseason.
After initially agreeing to tentative deals with the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, Stanton invoked his no-trade clause and vetoed trades to both organizations. Stanton’s refusal to play for those clubs led to speculation that the Los Angeles Dodgers, his favorite team growing up, would swoop in and acquire the local product.
That wasn’t the end result, however, as the Marlins and New York Yankees have reportedly reached an agreement that would send the reigning National League MVP to the Bronx.
In the wake of being traded to the Yankees, Stanton’s preferred destination remained the Dodgers, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
Source: #Dodgers were Stanton's 1st choice, but never made offer that intrigued #Marlins because it involved eating more bad contracts or Stanton $ than Mia comfortable with. #Yankees were Stanton's 2d choice and that Castro is a real player was important to Mia to keep or move.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 9, 2017
Though Stanton has yet to officially waive his no-trade clause and approve a deal to the Yankees, it appears to be a mere formality at this point. The Dodgers aren’t expected to make a last-minute push to acquire the Panorama City, Calif., native.
To nab the 2017 home run champion, the Yankees reportedly agreed to absorb $265 million of the remaining $295 million on Stanton’s contract. The club will additionally send veteran Starlin Castro and two prospects to Miami to complete the trade.
Los Angeles was long viewed as a potential landing spot for Stanton, but ultimately decided against a trade due to concerns of exceeding the luxury tax threshold.
Now that the dust has settled, there figures to be a plethora of action around the league as the Winter Meetings are set to kick off.
