Dodger Rumors: Is A Trade For Giancarlo Stanton In The Works?

It may seem like a fantasy for Los Angeles Dodger fans still reeling from the Game 7 loss in the World Series, but there appears to be some validity to the recent reports that the National League champions have an interest in superstar slugger Giancarlo Stanton.

On Tuesday, a source told MLB.com that the Dodgers "are in" on trade talks with the Miami Marlins about a potential blockbuster deal for the right-fielder.

New Marlins CEO Derek Jeter has stated that the team is willing to part ways with Stanton, who is guaranteed $295 million over the remaining 10 years of his contract, and the Dodgers have the assets to land one of the best players in baseball.

According to Spotrac, the Dodgers' current payroll for 11 players is $179.7 million, after an MLB-leading payroll of $265 million last season. Taking on Stanton's roughly $30 million a year contract would be a heavy burden, but the Dodgers may see the benefit of trading for baseball's best power hitter rather than signing a free agent. Stanton also has a full no-trade clause, which might give the Dodgers an inside track on the Los Angeles native. He can opt out of his deal in 2020.

In 2017, Stanton hit 59 home runs and had 132 runs batted in to go along with a .631 slugging percentage. The 28-year-old right-handed hitter would be an ideal fit for a batting order that includes young left-handed bats Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger.

To acquire Stanton, the Dodgers will almost certainly have to concede some top prospects and at least one current roster player to help make the Marlins respectable in 2018. Should the Dodgers make a trade for Stanton, it could possibly mean including either Joc Pederson or Yasiel Puig in a package. Puig, who is set to earn $7.5 million in the final year of his contract, seems like the more logical choice given his Cuban roots and Miami's heavy Cuban population.

Starting pitcher Walker Buehler, outfielder Alex Verdugo and Cuban reliever Yadier Alvarez are considered the Dodgers' best prospects. Dodgers president Andrew Freidman would be very reluctant to deal the promising Buehler after left-handed phenom Julio Urias was sidelined in 2017 with a shoulder injury. Verdugo and Alvarez are considered important pieces to the Dodgers, but Friedman may be less hesitant to part ways with both players if it meant adding Stanton.

Meanwhile, a large amount of money is set to come off the Dodgers' books next year. Veteran first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is in the final year of his contract that will pay him $22.3 million in 2018. Scott Kazmir, a left-handed starter who was sidelined the entire 2017 season, is due $17.6 million in the final year of his deal.

The Dodgers may also choose to trade for Stanton instead of re-signing right-handed starter Yu Darvish — arguably the best starting pitcher on the free agent market. The 31-year-old is expected to seek a deal worth about $30 million a year. Though Darvish's potential contract would be roughly the same amount that Stanton currently receives, it seems highly improbable that he gets a deal beyond five or six years.

The Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants are also reportedly interested in Stanton.

"From our standpoint, we want to get an assessment of what the market is and ways to improve our ballclub in a timely fashion," said Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill. "I don't think you ever put a deadline on what you can and can't do, because you're always looking at ways to help yourself get better. … I think we're just trying to be proactive in trying to improve our club."