Report: Mariners & Marlins Discussed Trade For Stanton
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Marlins have one superstar player left on the roster and he may not be around for long. According to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi, the Seattle Mariners and Marlins have had discussions on Seattle acquiring Miami slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
However, Morosi said ultimately, "a deal appears doubtful at this point."
The Mariners need a slugger and tried to acquire Josh Hamilton via free agency. The team is desperate for major production out of the middle of the lineup, and Stanton could provide major power hitting to any team he is with.
The Marlins have spent the entire offseason destroying last year's roster. Stanton is the only surviving star player left standing and he's previously said he is not happy with the changes the Marlins undertook at the end of the season.
To get Stanton out of Miami though would take a king's ransom in prospects, according to multiple reports. Seattle has plenty of prospects to offer for Stanton, but the Mariners' main roster is weak and giving up lots of talent for one player may leave the Mariners in no better position than they are now.
Stanton could be the face of the franchise if Miami wanted to build a franchise. Stanton has hit 93 home runs by the age of 23, second all time only to Alex Rodriguez, according to Morosi's report.
The Marlins may be looking to deal Stanton in the next year or two as he nears salary arbitration in 2014.