Report: Stanton hasn't ruled out trade to Giants, Cardinals

Hold the phone.

Contrary to earlier reports that Miami Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton wouldn't accept a trade to the St. Louis Cardinals or San Francisco Giants, the reigning National League MVP hasn't permanently ruled out either of those clubs - or any others, for that matter - a major-league source told Joe Frisaro of MLB.com on Friday.

Earlier this week, the Marlins agreed to the general framework for a Stanton trade with both those teams, and Stanton himself has met with representatives from both, as well. (Hunter Pence, the Giants' longtime right fielder, actually lobbied Stanton on Tuesday to come to San Francisco, and Cardinals infielder Kolten Wong did the same for St. Louis shortly thereafter.)

On Thursday, however, amid considerable speculation that Stanton wasn't keen to join either of those teams, it was reported that the four-time All-Star would only waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a move to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, or New York Yankees. Though the Dodgers are believed to be Stanton's preferred trade destination - the 28-year-old grew up in Los Angeles - the Marlins haven't had serious trade talks with any teams other than the Cardinals and Giants.

Related - Ex-Marlins president: Stanton 'holding the team hostage' with no-trade clause

Marlins' president of baseball operations Michael Hill wouldn't comment on the latest developments in the Stanton saga on Thursday after trading second baseman Dee Gordon to Seattle - the first major move in the club's plan to dramatically cut payroll this offseason.

"I don't comment on speculation," Hill said. "When there is a need to make a statement, we'll make a statement."