Ex-Marlins president: Stanton 'holding the team hostage' with no-trade clause

As he looked back at his tenure as Miami Marlins president, David Samson revealed his biggest regret: giving Giancarlo Stanton a full no-trade clause.

"When we gave him a no-trade clause, it was something he required," Samson said on "The Dan Le Batard Show" this week. "It's a horrible clause to give to players. It is a big regret I have that I broke our rule and gave him a no-trade clause. It's paralyzing. He is holding the team hostage because he can and it's the power we gave him."

The Marlins had a policy banning such clauses, but broke it to lock Stanton up long term. Now, he seems to be on the verge of leaving, though nothing is set in stone.

Related: Giants expect Stanton's decision by end of week

A few months ago, it was announced that the new Marlins ownership group, led by former New York Yankees superstar Derek Jeter, wouldn't bring Samson back as president. He had been in the role since joining the club in 2002.

The Marlins have been trying to find a suitable landing spot for Stanton, who signed a 13-year, $325-million contract extension before the 2015 season, but have been handcuffed by him having the final say. The team has received offers from the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants, and Stanton has personally met with both teams.