Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton has four World Series contenders on his wish list, according to a report by MLB.com.
Stanton's list includes the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs. Missing from the list are the two clubs which have had the most reported interest in Stanton thus far, the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.
Stanton's interest in the Dodgers has been known for quite some time, but the team's willingness to take on his contract is not known. With a MLB-high payroll already on the books, the Dodgers could ask Miami to kick in significant cash in a trade. Sending a large amount of money with Stanton would likely be a non-starter for the Marlins.
If the Dodgers and Marlins do sit down for extended talks, it is possible that high-priced veterans could be discussed. Los Angeles has a number of players it could try and shed in a trade, including pitcher Brandon McCarthy and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Both players are set to earn big dollars in 2018, but are only signed for one more season. It remains to be seen if Miami would be able to work with this type of scenario.
Stanton is owed $295 million over the next ten years. Adding his contract to a team's payroll may have luxury tax implications. This is a concern for both the Dodgers and the Yankees. While the idea of pairing Stanton with Rookie of the Year Aaron Judge is appealing, the Yankees would also likely ask CEO Derek Jeter to send significant cash with Stanton.
In terms of prospects, the Yankees and Dodgers both have several intriguing names in the system. The money involved however will reduce Miami's return in any trade. The more money Jeter is willing to off-set, the better return he can expect talent wise. With a glaring need for a shortstop, Miami could eye Gleyber Torres in talks with New York. Torres is a 20-year old top prospect and it is unlikely the Yankees would entertain moving him, even if Stanton was coming to the Bronx.
If the Yankees and Marlins do get involved in extended talks, a player such as Greg Bird could be brought up. Bird has been linked to the Marlins in the past during trade rumors and could be a player that appeals to president of baseball operations, Michael Hill. Miami still has Justin Bour at first base, but could always trade him as well if needed. Bird has had some success during his brief run at 1B in the Bronx.
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The Astros are coming off a World Series championship and have thus far been quiet in trade talks. Houston has been known to prioritize depth in the minor leagues and prying any prospects away would prove difficult. The Astros were hesitant to trade future talent at the trade deadline, even with a playoff appearance hanging in the balance. While the Astros are reportedly on Stanton's list, it is not likely he is on their list.
The Cubs are an intriguing option for the Marlins, but they also haven't been linked to the slugger so far. Chicago has shown a willingness to spend in the past and is also involved the talks for Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. If Ohtani decides to sign elsewhere, Chicago may become more interested in Stanton. It is possible the Cubs would try and send a large contract back to Miami such as Jason Heyward's. Albert Almora is a name that could be involved in a Stanton trade as well.
Stanton has not officially rejected the Giants or Cardinals yet and both teams had reportedly reached trade agreements with Miami. It still is possible that Stanton could opt to accept one of those deals, rather than await a rebuilding season in Miami. Dee Gordon was traded on Thursday and the Marlins could move another player or two during next week's Winter Meetings.
The MLB Winter Meetings will begin on Monday in Orlando.
