While the likelihood of Giancarlo Stanton being traded this season is very low, the possibility of him having a new team at the start of 2018 is very possible. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, he offered four possible teams that could look to acquire Stanton. As most know, Stanton is mashing home runs everywhere these days, as he recently hit his 50th home run of the season. His stock is rising, and if the Marlins feel they could get a package to help a rebuild, then one of these teams might try to offer something in return.
San Francisco Giants
The giants apparently privately informed the Marlins of their interest. The Giants were a playoff team last season, but now have 80 losses, and are contending with the Philadelphia Phillies for the worst record in the National League. The Giants believe they can still contend in 2018 with a core of Madison Bumgarner, Buster Posey, Jeff Samardzija, and others. Stanton is still owed over $300 million for his contract, even though he can opt out in 2020.
The Giants do not have a farm system that could make a trade based off of prospects. They were ranked as high as 25th in the majors according to Bleacher Report. The Giants could offer cash to help compensate if they desperately want that power hitter in their lineup.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers are actually just one spot ahead of the Giants in farm system rankings according to Bleacher Report, which makes their chances slim as well. The Rangers are likely going to have some money to help fund a trade after trading away Yu Darvish. The Rangers would love to have Stanton and Joey Gallo in the same lineup.
However, that would be a lot of strikeouts down in Texas.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals haven't had a home run masher since Albert Pujols left for the Los Angeles Angels back in 2011. The Cardinals have some interesting young pitchers, including Alex Reyes assuming he comes back healthy after his injury. The Cardinals don't typically spend big on the premier free agent or trade target.
However, the team's lineup lacks power, and their record this season has shown.
Philadelphia Phillies
Rhys Hoskins is starting to look like the second coming of Stanton after hitting his 11th home run of the season in just 18 games. However, Nightengale reports that the Phillies are interested in making a deal for Stanton. It's unclear what the Phillies would give up, or why the Phillies are even interested due to their many roster concerns.
