MLB trade rumors: Cardinals, Giants have made offers for Giancarlo Stanton

The Cardinals and Giants have made formal trade offers to the Marlins for slugger Giancarlo Stanton, according to reports from Jon Morosi of MLB.com and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

St. Louis and San Francisco have been consistently mentioned as two of the strongest suitors for Stanton, the top available player on the trade market this winter. Miami has also reportedly fielded interest from the Red Sox, Phillies, Yankees and Dodgers, though the Cards and Giants appear to be two of the favorites at this point.

New Marlins CEO Derek Jeter must decide whether the club will prioritize prospect additions or salary relief in any package that comes back for Stanton, who is owed $295 million over the next 10 seasons. St. Louis has a young stable of pitching prospects who could intrigue the Marlins (including Luke Weaver, Jack Flaherty, Alex Reyes and Dakota Hudson) and a surplus of young outfielders, while the Giants have less to deal from in their minor-league system and could have to part with a major-league piece like Joe Panik.

There’s no indication that Miami is close to a decision on Stanton, who has full no-trade protection and must approve a deal to any club. The possibility still exists that Stanton will suit up again for the Marlins next season, either as a result of Jeter and general manager Michael Hill not getting a suitable offer or due to Stanton deciding not to waive his no-trade clause.