While the Miami Marlins seem motivated to move superstar slugger Giancarlo Stanton, some rival executives believe they're aiming too high for their return in a potential trade.
Those executives say the asking price set by the Marlins is "shockingly high," given Stanton's contract situation, according to a report from Buster Olney of ESPN.
Related: What the Red Sox, Cardinals, Phillies, and Giants might trade for Stanton
While Stanton's talent is undeniable - he's a finalist for the National League MVP award this season - the 28-year-old outfielder is still guaranteed $295 million on his current contract. Further complicating matters, Stanton has an opt-out clause following the 2020 season, meaning he could potentially leave the team that acquires him after three years.
And with his contract heavily back-loaded - $218 million in guaranteed salary follows the potential opt-out - a team would be stuck with that number if the slugger underperforms and decides to stay.
That doesn't seem to be suppressing interest in Stanton, though, with seven teams reportedly contacting the Marlins about him, and with the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants apparently showing the "most intense" interest.
It's still mid-November, so setting a high asking price isn't particularly startling. But whether another team will take a chance on dealing away multiple top-100 prospects for a potential three-year rental, or a nearly $300-million commitment, remains to be seen.
