With the Major League Baseball hot stove about to heat up, all eyes are on Giancarlo Stanton, after his stellar performance at the National League.
Stanton was recently proclaimed NL most valuable player, surpassing Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto and Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. It was a historic win that made him the first-ever Marlins MVP, narrowly beating Votto by just two points.
Being the NL MVP has its many perks, including a long list of teams wanting to trade him out of Miami Marlins. The baseball outfielder reportedly also has his top choices, which he and his representatives have submitted to the team. Said to be top on his list is the Los Angeles Dodgers, his "preferred destination." If the reports are true, looks like he is also top on theirs.
The Dodgers is Stanton's hometown team. According to the MLB Network, Stanton went to high school at the Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, which is located just 16 miles from Dodger Stadium.
However, there has been reportedly no progress in the talks between the Dodgers and the Marlins, due to the former's "concerns over luxury tax obligations." The Dodgers are projected to once again surpass the $197 million luxury tax threshold. That is even without Stanton, who is slated to earn some $295 million in the next decade.
While it is not clear who his other choices are, SB Nation reports there are five teams that definitely did not make the cut -- Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Mets. That at least leaves fans five less teams to worry about.
As Stanton takes his time to sign a new contract, the Marlins are reportedly pressuring him to waive his no-trade clause and accept a trade. Otherwise, he would have to stay with the team, while the Marlins trade off other top players to "reduce payroll."
