Until Giancarlo Stanton is putting on a different jersey at a press conference, the Miami Marlins and their star slugger are going to factor heavily into the winter rumor mill. And, with the Marlins seemingly committed to shipping Stanton out representing blood in the water, the sharks have begun circling.
A report surfaced Friday that Miami has already had preliminary discussions with the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Francisco Giants regarding Stanton.
Beginning with the assumption that the team receiving Stanton takes on all of his remaining $295 million contract, let's take a look at what each team would have to give up to get the 28-year-old superstar:
Red Sox
Jackie Bradley Jr., Alex Scherff, Brian Johnson, Bryan Mata
The prospect system was largely scoured last offseason by the Red Sox trading for Chris Sale. However, there are still the building blocks for a Stanton deal with Bradley Jr., along with some tantalizing arms in their system - something the Marlins could specifically target.
Alex Scherff, 19, has shown significant growth in his fastball as he's matured and Bryan Mata, 18, could follow a similar trajectory. Meanwhile, Brian Johnson, 26, is a bit of a flier, but the lefty from Lakeland, Florida might find success closer to home.
If the Marlins have their eyes set on Jay Groome though - the Red Sox top prospect - it would almost definitely mean retaining some of Stanton's salary, which isn't out of the question.
Cardinals
Randal Grichuk, Magneuris Sierra, Delvin Perez, Alvaro Seijas
On its surface, this is an underwhelming deal to say the least. Randal Grichuk is the only big-league asset coming over, heading into his first year of arbitration.
That being said, Magneuris Sierra got his first taste of the big leagues this past year as a 21-year-old. While he strikes out way too much for someone without pop, his on-base acumen and speed is an intriguing combination. Delvin Perez, 18, is a toolsy shortstop, while Alvaro Seijas, 19, is a risky, high-ceiling arm in a small frame.
If the Marlins were willing to eat some of Stanton's contract, it could convince the Cardinals to part with 2017 breakout Tommy Pham, or top prospects Alex Reyes or Jack Flaherty.
Phillies
Maikel Franco, Aaron Altherr, Adam Haseley, Kevin Gowdy
Maikel Franco is coming off of a horrendous season, but is still only 25, and was considered a top prospect prior to 2015. Both he and Aaron Altherr have shown flashes of brilliance in their short careers, but it's likely the Phillies would have to part with one or both of them in a Stanton deal.
Sweetening the pot with 21-year-old outfield prospect Adam Haseley, as well as 19-year-old right-hander Kevin Gowdy, who underwent Tommy John surgery this year, might make the Phillies the most interesting potential landing spot for Stanton.
The Phillies are a big market team in the midst of a rebuild with a minuscule payroll. Getting the Marlins to retain some of Stanton's salary just to part with a better prospect likely isn't in their interests.
Giants
Christian Arroyo, Austin Slater, Seth Corry, Heliot Ramos
The fact is, these two teams don't match up particularly well and, realistically, this isn't a good deal for either club.
Christian Arroyo has been heralded as the team's future for a while, and got his first taste of the big leagues this year, but broke his hand when he returned to the minors after some struggles. Meanwhile, Austin Slater is in a similar situation, having undergone hip surgery in September after breaking out in 2017. Heliot Ramos, 18, seems to have a high ceiling, and Seth Corry, 19, is an intriguing young left-hander.
Giants fans may want to jettison Brandon Belt in a Stanton deal, but there's no reason the Marlins should be interested in a 30-year-old first baseman, unless this turns into a three-team deal.
(Pictures courtesy: Getty Images)
