Phillies interest in Giancarlo Stanton continues to intensify
Years of rumors connecting the Phillies and Giancarlo Stanton may come to fruition this offseason
Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton has once again been connected to the Phillies, and this time it could be legitimate.
The reigning home run king is expected to be dealt along with his massive contract this offseason by Marlins owner Derek Jeter. Stanton’s trade value is at a premium after hitting an astronomical 59 home runs last season.
MLB Network and Fox Sports insider Jon Morosi says the Marlins have had preliminary talks with multiple teams regarding Stanton. Those discussions have been between San Francisco, Boston, St. Louis, and Philadelphia.
Morosi expects talks between the Marlins and any suitors to intensify next week at the general manager meetings. He also intensified the fire surrounding Philadelphia as a primary landing place for Stanton with a follow-up tweet.
Why does Giancarlo Stanton fit the #Phillies? They have $6.35 million committed to players for 2018, per Spotrac. Plenty of capacity for growth in a payroll that routinely surpassed $160M earlier this decade. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 11, 2017
Stanton would certainly add a level of excitement to the Phillies next season with his power and presence in the outfield. The question remains regarding what Jeter’s price is and whether the Phillies are willing to dilute their farm system for a 28-year-old outfielder who has played 150 games twice in eight seasons due to injuries.
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A trade package to Miami would likely involve a young outfielder such as Nick Williams, Mickey Moniak, Dylan Cozens, or Adam Haseley. Philadelphia has a plethora of outfielders in their system and at some point will have to unload their stockpile.
As Morosi pointed out, the finances would work for Klentak and his willingness to take on the remainder of Stanton’s contract could lower the asking price in terms of young talent.
Stanton has 11 years left on his contract, but he has the option to opt-out anytime after 2020. Should he do so, he’d be forgoing $32 million a season. While that sounds ridiculous to pass up on, that figure will likely be surpassed by Bryce Harper in free agency next offseason.
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I would personally not trade for Stanton and rather grow through the farm system. Yes, moves must be made to better the major league club and that will involve prospects, but the deal shouldn’t be for an oft-injured power hitter with $200 million left on a contract that runs until he’s 40.
It didn’t work for the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez, and it wouldn’t work for Philadelphia and Stanton.