Stanton would prefer to stay with Marlins if pitching is addressed

Fresh off winning his first National League MVP Award, Giancarlo Stanton's thoughts are going toward his future. With trade rumors swirling furiously, it has seemed like only a matter of time before he finds himself in another team's colors.

If he has his way, however, Stanton would stay in South Florida - but under some specific conditions. With no desire to enter a rebuild, Stanton wants the Marlins to commit to fixing their deficiencies in the rotation and bullpen, according to Tim Healey of the Sun-Sentinel.

"But it needs to be thoroughly addressed, not just somewhat addressed. It needs to be a huge push now and a definite contending addressed matter," Stanton said.

Pitching was the Marlins' great undoing in 2017. The pitching staff combined for a 4.82 ERA and a league-worst 7.5 K/9. The team's steadiest starting pitcher, Dan Straily, was 10-9 with a 4.19 ERA over 181 2/3 innings. Straily and Jose Urena were the only qualified starters. Edinson Volquez threw a no-hitter, but also underwent Tommy John surgery in August.

Only the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds produced less WAR from their pitching staffs.

Whether the Marlins are on the same page as Stanton remains to be seen, and he doesn't know if they will be.

"I'm not entirely sure to be honest," Stanton said. "But I know all teams have plenty of money."