Reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton found himself in the crosshairs of an organization looking to sell their best assets under new ownership. A group led by Derek Jeter bought the Miami Marlins earlier this year and the speculation about the future of their best players immediately became cloudy. Would the team continue to build around a cornerstone like Stanton or would they want to start from scratch?
The Miami Marlins now look bleak following their decision to trade batting champion infielder Dee Gordon and now choosing to deal Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees. Yes, the same New York Yankees that had Derek Jeter on their payroll for almost two decades.
Giancarlo Stanton has a full no-trade clause in the 13-year, $325 million contract he signed back in 2014 with the Miami Marlins. He elected to use that clause to the fullest on Friday afternoon rejecting deals to the St.Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants despite the Marlins organization reportedly having deals in place with both teams. His decision opened the door for new suitors in the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers to make their best offer. The Yankees swooped in in the middle of the night and snagged the reigning MVP similarly to what they did back in 2003 with Alex Rodriguez.
Following comes from Joel Sherman of the New York Post and MLB Network.
Source: Stanton from #Marlins to #Yankees is “virtually done.” Close to finish line. Hear #Marlins will get at least Starlin Castro plus good but not top prospects if completed. Again physical review can still be part of this so nothing final, but close.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 9, 2017
I reported #Yankees are sending at least Castro to #Marlins among veterans and prospects, but not their top ones
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 9, 2017
Heard Castro is only veteran going to #Marlins for Stanton. Rest of deal is prospecds, but not #Yankees best.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 9, 2017
Also heard main prospects are not close to majors, lower down in system, people Denbo will know and like. #Marlins #Yankees
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 9, 2017
Giancarlo Stanton is owed $295 million over the next 10 years with an opt-out clause in 2021. The Marlins are reportedly paying a portion of Stanton’s contract to help cover the costs and execute the trade. Both sides have not formally announced the deal as it is still pending a physical from Stanton.
Stanton joins a short list of MVPs to be dealt immediately following their MVP season. The aforementioned Rodriguez found himself in a similar situation in 2003 with the Texas Rangers wanting to rid themselves of his then-historic contract and the Yankees wanting a star to join their ranks. After a deal with the Red Sox fell through due to some failed contract olympics by Boston and an injury to Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone, New York came in with an offer for A-Rod. Rodriguez would go on to win two more MVPs with the Yankees and a World Series title in 2009.
Back in 1993 Barry Bonds hit the free agency market after an NL MVP season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bonds elected to join the San Francisco Giants, a team his father and godfather Willie Mays played for during their time in the MLB. Bonds proceeded to win three MVPs with the Giants in the early 2000’s which included a trip to the World Series in 2002. He also broke the MLB’s single-season and career home run records during his time with the Giants.
The first instance of an MVP immediately switching teams after winning the award dates back over 100 years ago. In 1914 Eddie Collins contract was sold from the Philadelphia Athletics to the Chicago White Sox for $50,000. Collins had a batting average of .344 with two home runs and 85 RBIs in 152 games in his lone MVP season. Fast forward to Stanton in 2017 and the 28-year-old hit .281 with 59 homers and 132 RBIs in a career-best 159 games. Modern baseball is a crazy thing.
