MLB trade rumors: Yankees ‘making progress’ on Giancarlo Stanton trade

UPDATE (Saturday 9:00 am): The Yankees and Marlins have agreed to a deal sending Stanton to New York, according to multiple reports. The deal is pending Stanton’s approval and the Yankees’ review of his physical.
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ORIGINAL: The Yankees are “making progress” on a trade for Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton, according to Yahoo’s Jeff Passan. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal first reported New York was “in play” for Stanton, with various reports Friday night ranging from a deal being “close if not done” to “talking” and “not close.”

At this point, it’s clear the Yankees have become the favorite for Stanton despite being on the periphery of talks for the slugger as of Thursday. The Dodgers (and potentially some other clubs) remain involved, but the field has narrowed now that Stanton rejected agreed-upon deals with the Giants and Cardinals on Friday afternoon. Stanton has reportedly expressed a willingness to be traded to the Yankees there if an agreement is reached, giving the Marlins incentive to try to get a deal done before the winter meetings begin next week.

Stanton, who recently turned 28, is owed $295 million through the 2027 campaign and can opt out of the contract after the 2020 campaign. His availability in trade talks this winter has dominated headlines for months as the Marlins, under new CEO Derek Jeter, embark on a rebuild designed to shed costs.

While it’s unclear what exactly the Yankees would give up in a prospective Stanton trade, New York has both the financial might and prospect capital to get one done. The compensation package would be a delicate mixture of financial relief and on-field talent, though it’s unclear how much money the Yanks are willing to take on at present. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that infielders Starlin Castro and Chase Headley (and not Jacoby Ellsbury) could be part of a return package to Miami instead of top prospects.

Even after deadline deals for Sonny Gray, David Robertson, Todd Frazier and Tommy Kahnle, the Yanks still have five prospects ranked among the top 100 in baseball— Gleyber Torres, Chance Adams, Estevan Florial, Justus Sheffield and Miguel Andujar-- in addition to young major-league pieces Clint Frazier and Jordan Montgomery. Lower-tier guys like Sheffield or Andujar could theoretically be moved even if the top guys (namely Torres and Adams) stick around.

Jeter’s familiarity with the Yankees organization will surely help in talks, though it’s clear nothing is done at present. If a deal is consummated, an outfield in the Bronx that includes both Stanton and Aaron Judge would surely be one of the greatest power displays in baseball history. Stay tuned.