By BARRY JACKSON
By BARRY JACKSON
McClatchy-Tribune
Determined to keep their All-Star slugger long-term, the Miami Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton are in serious discussions regarding what would be the richest contract in baseball history, a deal that would exceed 10 years in length and be worth $300 million or more, a source told The Miami Herald.
Fox Sports reported that Stanton, 25, and the Marlins had discussed a 10-year deal worth at least $300 million. Three sources disputed that 10-year figure, with two of them insisting the contract under discussion would be longer than that.
The Marlins are hopeful Stanton will accept the deal, but there is no indication how seriously Stanton is considering it. Stanton’s agent, Joel Wolfe, has not responded.
Stanton would not be eligible for free agency until following the 2016 season, but the Marlins are eager to secure a long-term commitment from him.
The Marlins have said they have no intention of trading Stanton even if he rejects their offer. If Stanton chooses to take a one-year deal, he could make $13 million or so next season if the matter goes to arbitration this winter.
“I’d say it’s a safe bet Giancarlo is hitting in the Marlins lineup next year and the next year,” Marlins general manager Dan Jennings said.
Besides offering at least $300 million, the Marlins also are receptive to consider allowing a partial or full no-trade clause, which would be a departure from previous club policy.
“It’s been a long-standing policy, but you’re talking about a tremendous talent,” Michael Hill, Marlins president of baseball operations, said. “You look at the marketplace and what other elite players have gotten … it’ll definitely be a topic of discussion.”
With the exception of pitcher Javier Vazquez, the Marlins have steadfastly refused to grant no-trade protection to any of their free-agent signings.
If Stanton accepts a contract worth at least $300 million, it would be the richest guaranteed contract in baseball history, topping Alex Rodriguez’s 10-year, $275 million deal with the Yankees in 2008.
Miguel Cabrera signed an 8-year, $248 million contract with the Detroit Tigers but that deal could reach $292 million over 10 years if the Tigers exercise two option seasons.
That $300 million would be on the par with the $303 million the Marlins have spent combined on their entire major-league roster the past five seasons.
Stanton hit .288 with 37 home runs and 105 RBI in 145 games this season before his season ended when he was struck in the face with a pitch on Sept. 11 against Milwaukee.
At the time of his injury, Stanton led the National League in home runs (37), slugging percentage (.555), OPS (.950), total bases (299), extra-base hits (99), RBI (105), walks (94), at-bats per HR (14.5) and was on pace to become the first player to lead the NL in homers, RBI and slugging percentage since Dante Bichette in 1995.