MLB trade rumors: Giants, Cardinals interested in Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton

The Giants and Cardinals have now expressed their interest in possibly acquiring Marlins star slugger Giancarlo Stanton, according to Craig Mish of SiriusXM.

The Giants are showing the "most interest" because Mish says there is a belief that Stanton "may be willing to waive" his no-trade clause. The Cardinals also "checked in," according to Mish, because Stanton does not want to be part of a rebuilding franchise and only "prefers to stay if team stays together."

Stanton, who signed a 13-year, $325 million deal with the Marlins in 2014, has been speculated to be traded at some point during his career and has been suggested that he could fit with either the Dodgers, Cardinals, Red Sox, Yankees or Phillies. However, Stanton is still owed $295 million and Marlins president Michael Hill said they were not going to trade their young stars, including Stanton.

In the midst of his eighth season in the big leagues, the 27-year-old Stanton has hit 234 home runs with 599 RBI while slashing .267/.357/.542. This season, the four-time All-Star has 26 homers with 59 RBI while slashing .271/.361/.568.

If Stanton moves to any contending franchise, he will instantly make them a possible favorite. Though the Giants are struggling this year, they still have arguably the best pitcher in the game in Madison Bumgarner plus the best catcher in Buster Posey and other young pieces they expect to help thw team contend in 2018. The Cardinals could keep contending in the NL Central if they add his big bat to the lineup because they also have young talent coming up that can make a big impact and because of their successful track record as a winning franchise.