Why the Dodgers have the best chance to land Stanton
Not even a month after the Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the World Series, the team's front office is in the running to land the kind of big fish that could make the difference next fall: Miami Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton.
The outfielder has a full no-trade clause, and teams pursuing him believe the Dodgers are his first choice, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Monday, citing sources. He's apparently not expected to approve deals elsewhere until there's "clarity" about his situation with Los Angeles.
The Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants are all reportedly interested in the 28-year-old slugger, so this must be music to the Dodgers' ears as they look to acquire the reigning National League MVP.
Here are three reasons why the Dodgers now have the best chance to land Stanton.
Coming home
Before the Marlins selected Stanton in the second round of the 2007 draft, he grew up in the L.A. area admiring the Dodgers, and wrapped up his high school career at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif. - just over a 20-minute drive from Los Angeles. Stanton's hit well at Dodger Stadium during his big-league career too, slashing .310/.362/.713 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs in 94 plate appearances.
Prospect pool
The Giants and Cardinals appear to be showing sustained interest in Stanton, while the Red Sox interest is considered "tepid," but L.A. can offer the best prospect of the four teams - No. 10 in all of baseball. Walker Buehler, the Dodgers' top prospect, recorded 125 strikeouts in 88 2/3 innings across three minor-league levels last season before struggling in eight MLB appearances (7.71 ERA). His talent and ability should be tempting for the Marlins, but if L.A. balks at dealing the 23-year-old, other intriguing prospects in the system include outfielders Alex Verdugo and Yusniel Diaz and pitcher Yadier Alvarez.
The desire - and dough - to win it all
The Dodgers and their $265-million payroll were just one win away from the franchise's first World Series title in 29 years before the Astros took them down. After coming so close to winning baseball's biggest prize, the Dodgers presumably wouldn't shy away from taking on a contract as large as Stanton's to bring home a championship, even though there's $295 million remaining on his current deal. As the Marlins seek to reduce payroll, it looks like Stanton's contract is the main one they'd like to move. If the Dodgers are willing to pony up the dough, along with a decent enough trade package, Stanton could be sporting Dodger blue this spring.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)