Will Giancarlo Stanton be Traded?

There are plenty of rumors floating around about the potential trade of National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton.

Earlier this year, the Miami Marlins were sold to former superstar Derek Jeter and Florida businessman Bruce Sherman. Since the new owners took over, they have been looking for ways to cut costs. This includes Stanton’s remaining 10-year, $295 million contract.

Miami’s Advice to Stanton

Stanton has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning that Miami can’t trade Stanton without his approval.

According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins’ owners informed Stanton that if he didn’t waive his no-trade rights then he would obviously get to stay a Marlin, but the owners will look to trade other top players.

One of the Miami Herald’s sources said that while this wasn’t presented to Stanton as an ultimatum, it shows that the new ownership group has some leverage in how to handle the financial burdens that Stanton brings them.

https://twitter.com/theScore/status/935668724400615424

Stanton’s Options

Back to the rumor mill, there is lots of talk about the teams who would like to trade for Stanton.

• Boston Red Socks

https://twitter.com/Red_Sox_Strong/status/932824812896047105

• Los Angeles Dodgers

Report: Dodgers are still believed to be Giancarlo Stanton's No. 1 choice.

Imagine… https://t.co/p1Cbgm5JAB pic.twitter.com/FzfLTw9n4l

— theScore (@theScore) November 27, 2017

• San Francisco Giants

Giancarlo Stanton to the San Francisco Giants? It's reportedly looking more and more likely.https://t.co/x7hg3p95GB pic.twitter.com/5Mpginumo3

— NESN (@NESN) November 21, 2017

• St. Louis Cardinals

Hypothetical situation:
You wake up tomorrow morning with a notification that says, “BREAKING: Miami Marlins trade reigning NL MVP, Giancarlo Stanton to the St. Louis Cardinals.”

Reply to this tweet with a GIF describing your reaction.#STLCards

— Cardinal Kingdom (@STLCards18) November 20, 2017

Stanton is not short on the number of teams who are willing to take on $295 million contract. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Miami slugger has given a list of preferences to the Marlins’ owners.

According to CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry, the Giants are at the top of Stanton’s list, but the Cardinals are right there with them. These two teams are reportedly the only two who have made trade offers to Miami.

What Happens to Miami if Stanton Decides to Stay?

The new ownership group will have to cut costs on the team elsewhere in order to afford Stanton’s salary.

The New York Post offers some interesting player trades if Stanton doesn’t leave Miami:

• Outfielder Marcell Ozuna – projected to make $10.9 million
• Outfielder Christian Yelich – projected to make $43.25 million over the next four seasons
• Pitcher Wei-Yin Chen – projected to make $42  million over the next three seasons

But for now, Stanton has not accepted any trades.