The Giancarlo Stanton rumor train is picking up steam.
The Miami Marlins have reportedly engaged in preliminary communications with the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and Philadelphia Phillies about a potential trade for the slugger, sources told MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
With general manager meetings kicking off Monday, talks are expected to continue between the teams.
Rumors have been swirling around Stanton's availability for months, and these reported suitors are the usual suspects. The Phillies reportedly inquired about Stanton and fellow Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich in July. The Cardinals and Giants joined the fray in August, with the latter returning to the table more recently.
Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel even asked Stanton about rumors that the Red Sox had shown interest during an interview in late October.
The 28-year-old Stanton is set to make $25 million in 2018 and a total of $285 million through 2027. His contract also includes a club option worth $25 million for 2028 with a $10-million buyout, according to Cot's Contracts.
There is also the possibility that Stanton, who comes with a full no-trade clause, opts out of his deal following the 2020 season.
Despite the contractual caveats, Stanton would be a welcome addition to any team's offense, as he's coming off a career season that saw him slash .281/.376/.631 with 59 home runs.
