Report: Marlins agree to Stanton trade framework with Cardinals, Giants
The ball is officially in Giancarlo Stanton's court.
The Miami Marlins have reportedly agreed to the general framework for a Stanton trade with both the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants, sources told Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, but the deals are effectively on hold as the Marlins await word from the reigning National League MVP as to whether he'd accept either trade. By virtue of his full no-trade clause, Stanton has the final say over any deal.
As such, a trade isn't imminent, and it's possible that Stanton, the vaunted slugger who smacked 59 home runs in 2017, opts not to waive his no-trade clause, at all. While Stanton has met with representatives from both teams, it was reported Saturday that Stanton is unlikely to approve a trade to St. Louis, with one person familiar with the situation suggesting that the Midwest is his "last choice." Although the 28-year-old is reportedly keen to relocate to the West Coast if he is, indeed, traded, it is believed he would prefer to play for the Dodgers, in his native Los Angeles, over the Giants. (As of Sunday, the Dodgers remained in contact with the Marlins about Stanton, but the two sides hadn't made substantial progress in discussions amid Los Angeles' concerns over a trade's luxury-tax implications.)
It's not clear what the Cardinals have offered for Stanton, but the Giants are reportedly prepared to give the Marlins' financially beleaguered new owners the salary relief they desperately seek. A report from earlier this week indicated that the Giants are willing to absorb all $295 million left on Stanton's contract in a trade. (Stanton is also eligible to opt out of his current deal, which would keep him under contract for the next decade, following the 2020 campaign.)
Stanton, an All-Star for the fourth time in 2017, is coming off the finest season of his eight-year career. Over 159 games with the Marlins, Stanton set new personal bests in WAR (6.9), homers (59), doubles (32), runs batted in (132), isolated power (.350), and OPS (1.007). Since 2012, only 10 players have provided more value than Stanton, who boasts a .929 OPS (150 OPS+) over that span while averaging 35 homers and 25 doubles per season.