The Giancarlo Stanton sweepstakes appear to be tightening up.
A source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com the San Francisco Giants are emerging as favorites to acquire the reigning National League MVP, adding that they've also been engaged in "deeper discussions" about a trade with the Miami Marlins.
It doesn't appear a deal is imminent, however, as Feinsand also reports that the St. Louis Cardinals may "still be a factor" in these discussions.
San Francisco, which posted the worst record in the NL last season, reportedly made an offer to the Marlins for Stanton that also had Dee Gordon joining him in the Bay Area, with second baseman Joe Panik and top prospects going to Miami in return. The Cardinals have also reportedly submitted a trade offer of their own. Full details of that offer aren't clear, but Craig Mish of SiriusXM reported Monday that Cardinals pitching prospect Sandy Alcantara is apparently a part of those talks.
Stanton, a California native who grew up in the Los Angeles area, is owed another $295 million over the life of his record contract, assuming he doesn't opt out after the 2020 campaign. The 28-year-old also possesses a full no-trade clause, but whether he'd consider waiving it to join the Giants isn't clear.
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After being named MVP, Stanton said he'd be open to staying in Miami if the team's pitching issues are "thoroughly addressed" this winter.
