:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55866707/usa_today_10176232.0.jpg)
The Yankees have been involved in a number of trade rumors over the past few weeks, and they most recently called the Marlins about the services of Giancarlo Stanton according to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports. The Yankees joined the Cardinals, Giants and Phillies as teams who have checked in on the Miami superstar.
Stanton, 27, could join Aaron Judge as one of the largest outfield duos in MLB history if a deal were to take place. The 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-7 outfielders would provide one of the most potent and exciting middle of the order threats in baseball, as they both lead their respective leagues in home runs.
For Stanton, he is hitting .271/.356/.578 with a .934 OPS, 137 wRC+ and 30 home runs. Stanton has been on a tear since July 5th with nine home runs in 14 games, including three two-homer games. With this productivity, Stanton made his fourth All-Star team this year.
Despite being one of the best hitters in the league, moving Stanton may be rather difficult for the Marlins, though his contract may be too large for their franchise. Stanton is signed to a 13-year $325-million deal with $295-million left after this season. that runs through 2027. His contract also contains $25-million option for 2028, along with an opt-out in 2020.
Another factor is that the Marlins are in the process of acquiring new ownership, so they may put the decision to deal Stanton in the hands of the next ownership group.
Ultimately, the likelihood of this rumor gaining any traction is small. The Yankees have been trying to get under the luxury tax threshold and they are also rumored to wanting to move Jacoby Ellsbury to shed his salary. Ellsbury was just recently benched in favor of rookie-sensation Clint Frazier. Despite that, the club would love to dump him off to another team, but in order to do that, they would likely have to take on another large contract in the process.
Now, it is worth noting that Jim Bowden of MLB Network refuted this Stanton report, even going as far as calling it fake news. However, the Yankees have the budget and the farm system depth to pull of the deal, so although a Judge and Stanton duo is a fantasy right now, it could become a reality if push came to shove.