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There are some interesting notes that have developed in the Giants and Cardinals’ trade talks for Marlins star slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
According to Craig Mish of SiriusXM, his one source says the Giants have put top-ranked prospect Christian Arroyo in their proposed deal for Stanton, the reigning National League MVP who belted a MLB-best 59 home runs last season. Wish also said Giants second baseman Joe Panik and Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon “are not” in the offer after Panik had been put in a package that the Marlins reportedly “likely would” accept from San Francisco, as long as the Giants would take on $250 million of Stanton’s $295 million contract that is in play for the next 10 years.
Arroyo played in 34 games in the majors last year after earning a call-up in April. However, he injured his wrist, was sent down to Triple-A Sacramento and then broke his left hand in his return from the disabled list.
As for the Cardinals, Jon Morosi of MLB Network and Venezuelan baseball reporter Wilmer Reias have reported the Marlins are “interested” in starter Michael Wacha and outfielder Jose Martinez. The Cardinals also have a deep farm system and it has been reported that they are willing to part with some of their top pitching prospects, including Sandy Alcantara.
Wacha, a five-year veteran, went 12-9 with a 4.13 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP in 165 2⁄3 innings pitched across 25 starts last year. Martinez played 106 games in his first season in St. Louis, slashing .309/.379/.518.
No matter what pieces are in the deal, it is ultimately up to Stanton to waive his full no-trade clause and accept a deal. Stanton has priority list of clubs he would like to play for and his “preferred destination” has been the Dodgers, according to multiple reports. He may wait for them to make an offer or wait on a better deal if he neither likes the Giants nor the Cardinals’ proposals.