How the Marlins can improve their pitching to keep Stanton happy
After Giancarlo Stanton took home the 2017 National League MVP Award on Thursday, talk turned back to where he'll hang his hat in 2018 and beyond. With the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and others expressing interest in acquiring the slugger, a trade feels inevitable.
But what if he stays? He has a no-trade clause he can slam down on the table any time he pleases. Stanton said he'd prefer to stay in Miami, but only if they address the pitching staff's litany of problems.
With no margin for error, the Marlins will have to stick the landing in a number of areas for this to be remotely possible. Here's how they can do it:
Bargain hunting in free agency
Forget Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta. While either would help sate Stanton's request, it doesn't seem likely as both are expected to command lengthy deals and big money.
So, start instead with Tyler Chatwood. The 27-year-old right-hander had a rough 2017 bouncing between the Colorado Rockies' rotation and bullpen while posting a 4.67 ERA in 147 2/3 innings over 33 appearances. He was far more successful in 2016. Maybe the thin competition bolsters his asking price, but he'd be a start.
Next, Jhoulys Chacin is hardly a sexy name, but he put together a fine season with the San Diego Padres, going 13-10 with a 3.89 ERA over 180 1/3 innings. He was healthy and effective after signing a one-year, $1.5-million contract to play in Southern California.
This won't be enough, so it's time to aim a little higher. Ideally, for Stanton and Marlins fans alike, they could become a surprise entry in the Alex Cobb sweepstakes. He could blossom into a frontline starter, and he showed he could stay healthy in 2017.
Start wheelin' and dealin'
Cobb (or Lance Lynn) would be nice, but to help ease the strain on the ol' pocketbook, the Marlins will have to get creative in trades. The Marlins' lineup has a fine core to build around even if you forget about Stanton, and it would be a shame to waste it. Finding a trade partner for third baseman Martin Prado will be paramount, but it won't be easy.
They need to target a team that has a pitcher locked in for a comparably expensive deal. One option might be the Detroit Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann. He's not a top of the line arm, but that deal would free up third base for Brian Anderson.
Otherwise, they'll need to follow through on trading either Christian Yelich or Marcell Ozuna (not both) in exchange for a young pitcher. The Cardinals have shown interest in the past, but have so many outfielders in the mix that getting one of their top young arms - Luke Weaver, Jack Flaherty, or Dakota Hudson - seems unlikely. Using Ozuna instead as an anchor for an offer to Tampa Bay for Chris Archer, though, would be much more interesting.
Go get Shohei Ohtani
Why not? If Stanton stays, take your shot. The Marlins have one of the largest stockpiles of international bonus pool money available, and if Ohtani is posted, he's slated to only cost a pittance in terms of salary.
By trading Ozuna, it opens up a spot for Ohtani in the outfield while allowing him to pitch on occasion. Prying away additional bonus pool money in any trade would also give greater leverage.
It won't be easy, but if Stanton puts his foot down, his contract may give ownership no choice but to fix the team now instead of later, and with him instead of without.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)