Making the case for and against Stanton's 4 preferred destinations
The Giancarlo Stanton sweepstakes took another turn Thursday, when it was reported the slugger has no interest in going to either the San Francisco Giants or St. Louis Cardinals after meeting face-to-face with both NL clubs.
Stanton controls where he goes due to his full no-trade clause, and it's been speculated that four World Series contenders - the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros - are on the list of where the reigning major-league home run champion is willing to go.
Here's the case for and against each of those teams acquiring Stanton, and how it could happen:
Los Angeles Dodgers
Why it makes sense: The Dodgers hold incredible leverage and could hold the Stanton negotiations hostage due to the slugger's desire to play close to home in Los Angeles. If Stanton feels there's a chance he can wear Dodger Blue next season and refuses to go anywhere else, the Marlins could be forced to take any offer from Los Angeles or risk being stuck with him.
The Dodgers made it to the World Series last season after winning an MLB-best 104 games and most of their core is returning, so landing Stanton isn't a necessity. That said, the expectations in Chavez Ravine are World Series or bust, and with the opportunity to add a player like Stanton, the club should do everything within reason to make it happen.
Why it doesn't make sense: Things aren't that simple, however, as the Dodgers' pockets may not be deep enough to absorb Stanton's massive contract without getting creative. The club is already set to exceed the luxury tax in 2018, and it's been widely reported that the Dodgers would rather subtract than add payroll this winter. As repeat offenders, the Dodgers will pay significant penalties if they continue to blow by the threshold.
Stanton is owed $296 million over the next decade and would ensure the Dodgers remain over the luxury tax for the foreseeable future. The Marlins' motivation is to relieve themselves of as much of Stanton's contract as possible, so the Dodgers packaging some bad contracts in return may not work. Plus, with Clayton Kershaw potentially opting out after this season, the Dodgers will need money set aside to keep him.
How it happens: Stanton is stubborn and forces the Marlins' hand. Miami is so eager to get Stanton off the books that they retain $25 million of his deal while also taking on Brandon McCarthy's expiring contract. In return, the Dodgers send Joc Pederson, Alex Verdugo, and Mitchell White to Miami.
Chicago Cubs
Why it makes sense: One season removed from winning the World Series, and the Cubs already look a little vulnerable. The World Series hangover hindered their ability to run away with the division, and the team appeared on fumes in the postseason.
Adding Stanton would give the Cubs an enviable middle of the order with Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, while keeping him away from the Dodgers. Adding Stanton would also allow the front office to potentially move Kyle Schwarber for pitching help.
Why it doesn't make sense: Chicago scored MLB's fourth-most runs last season and finished in the top 10 in homers, so offense isn't an issue. The Cubs should instead be focusing their resources on the pitching staff, as Wade Davis, John Lackey, and Jake Arrieta have hit free agency.
In addition, Jason Heyward is owed $134 million and has a full no-trade clause, while Bryant, Addison Russell, and Kyle Hendricks are in their arbitration years and will start to get more expensive. Money isn't an issue in Chicago, but the club will likely already exceed the luxury tax before adding Stanton.
How it happens: The Cubs have cleaned out the prospect pool in recent years, so they potentially don't have the big-name prospects the other four teams can offer. Adding Stanton would create a logjam on the 25-man roster and Chicago could include Albert Almora Jr., Victor Caratini, or Ian Happ in a trade. The Cubs could also take on Brad Ziegler's contract to lessen the prospect cost while improving their bullpen.
Houston Astros
Why it makes sense: Houston has officially emerged from its rebuild and restored the fan base's faith in the club. There hasn't been a repeat World Series winner since 1999-2000, and as the Cubs demonstrated last year, there's expected to be some rust for the Astros to start next season after a draining World Series run. Adding Stanton would further lengthen one of baseball's deepest lineups and make Houston the immediate favorite to repeat.
Why it doesn't make sense: The Astros have taken advantage of their young core from a financial standpoint, but it's going to get a lot more expensive to keep everyone together, and soon. Dallas Keuchel is a free agent after next season, and Jose Altuve will hit the market the year after. The Astros already know this core can win, so keeping it together, while adding complementary pieces might be the better way to use financial resources than paying Stanton nearly $30 million a season.
How it happens: After years of not spending, the Astros have no issue with blowing past the luxury tax and putting some World Series revenue back into the team. With top young outfielders Kyle Tucker and Derek Fisher, Houston parts with better prospects in order to save some money off Stanton's deal, allowing financial flexibility with their own roster. The reigning AL and NL MVP's are now in the same lineup.
New York Yankees
Why it makes sense: The Yankees took a major step forward last season as the rebuild hit the accelerator, and the time to be patient in the Bronx is over. GM Brian Cashman has positioned his club exceptionally well financially ahead of next year's major free-agent class, but if you could add a premier bat like Stanton, why wait to get into a potential bidding war for Bryce Harper next winter?
The Bronx Bombers hit MLB's most homers last season, and inserting Stanton between Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez would allow the club to bludgeon teams. Even on days when the pitching falters - and with New York's bullpen, there might be few - the opposition may need to score five-plus runs to keep up. Adding Stanton also protects Judge from a potential sophomore slump.
Why it doesn't make sense: The Yankees are eager to get under the luxury-tax threshold ahead of next winter, and they can't do that by adding Stanton - especially considering the Marlins don't want to take back a bad contract. Cashman may also be reluctant to part with top prospects such as Gleyber Torres, Clint Frazier, and Chance Adams as he'll need cheaper players coming through the system should he want to make a big free-agent splash next winter.
How it happens: Cashman realizes a life with Stanton in the lineup is too tantalizing not to pursue. The Yankees connection with the Marlins' Derek Jeter and Gary Denbo allow for fluid talks and the sides work out a deal involving the Yankees taking on a large portion of Stanton's contract. Now with an outfield logjam, the Yankees send Frazier to Miami along with a couple lesser prospects.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)