Reports: Giancarlo Stanton nearing agreement on $325 million contract
The Marlins are nearing an agreement with outfielder Giancarlo Stanton on a 13-year, $325 million contract, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal confirms Heyman's report.
Rosenthal had reported Thursday that the parties were discussing a contract in excess of 10 years and $300 million.
Stanton, 25, just completed his fifth season in the majors, all with the Marlins. He batted .288 with a National League-best 37 home runs in 2014 and finished second in MVP voting behind Clayton Kershaw. He has led the NL in slugging percentage twice in his career, in 2012 and 2014.
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Heyman and Rosenthal both report that the contract would have a no-trade clause and some sort of opt-out clause.
The contract would be the richest in the history of American sports, breaking the record set by Alex Rodriguez when he signed a 10-year, $275 million contract with the Yankees prior to the 2008 season. Rodriguez's contract is worth more on an annual basis.
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The Marlins have a reputation as being a thrifty franchise, choosing to trade away promising young players rather than sign them to long-term contracts. According to Spotrac, the $325 million deal is larger than the Marlins' 2009-2014 payrolls combined.
Miami pitcher Jose Fernandez is also approaching free agency, but Heyman reports that the chances he signs an extension "seem remote at this point."
- Dan Gartland