MLB Free Agents 2015: Giancarlo Stanton Reportedly Seeking MLB Record $300 Million Contract From Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton are negotiating on a potential long term contract. A possible contract could be in the $300 million range, according to multiple reports.
The largest contract in Major League Baseball history was given to Miguel Cabrera last offseason. The Detroit Tigers and Cabrera agreed to a 10-year $292 million deal. Previously, the New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez agreed to terms on a 10-year $275 million contract.
Stanton had a fantastic 2014 season.
Stanton led the National League with 37 home runs and 299 total bases. Stanton also had a career high 105 runs batted in and was one of the best power hitters in baseball with a .555 slugging percentage. Unfortunately, Stanton's season ended early when he was hit by a pitch in the face by Mike Fiers. Despite not playing the final stretch of the season, and the Marlins only winning 77 games, Stanton still finished second overall in the NL Most Valuable Player race.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was the only player to receive more NL MVP votes this season.
Stanton is obviously a great young player, but the Marlins have to be careful. Long-term contracts don't always work out as expected. The most obvious example is the Yankees current situation. Even though the Yankees are the richest team in the league and have the highest payroll in baseball, they too have their limits. Because the Yankees gave Rodriguez so much money, and he isn't willing to take less (who would?), the Yankees options have been limited in recent offseasons.
Stanton is a tremendous power hitter. But his career batting average is .271, and he does strikeout a lot.
The Marlins and Stanton's agents are seeking a new contract, but it is important to note that Stanton does not become a free agent until after the 2016 season. There's no denying that Stanton deserves a larger contract, but the Marlins also have bigger issues. Last season the Marlins ranked 19th overall in pitching with a team ERA of 3.78. Even the Marlins offense ranked 16th overall, and adding another bat to the lineup would only help.
Last season the Marlins had the 29th highest payroll out of 30 teams. Only the Houston Astros spent less money.
Even though the Marlins have an extremely low payroll when compared to most teams and have pitching needs, re-signing Stanton is a top priority. Stanton is just 25 years old, and he did win the Hank Aaron Award last year for the best hitter. The Puerto Rican Slugger is also known for hitting the longest home runs in all of baseball. If anybody can fill the stands at the Marlins ballpark, it's Stanton. Stanton now has 154 home runs in his first five seasons, and he has received MVP votes in three of the last four seasons.
The Marlins should definitely look to re-sign Stanton, but as we've seen many times in the past, 10-year contracts can have a lingering effect on a team.
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