The 2017 MLB free agency period and trade rumors have gotten off the ground like a balloon tied to a brick. So far no star players have made a proverbial offseason splash, however, one may be right around the corner.

Giants, Cardinals ready to deal now for Stanton

Giancarlo Stanton is not your typical baseball player. He is one of the best in the major leagues and frankly one of the best in the world. So why would the Miami Marlins want to trade him? Marlins fans have no idea, but just like many talented players before him, including Miguel Cabrera, the reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton's time with the Marlins looks like it may be coming to an end - and soon.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, the St. Louis Cardinals appear to be the frontrunners to land Stanton with the San Francisco Giants right behind.

The Sun-Sentinel indicates that the Cardinals have a slight edge in the bidding war for Stanton because they are able to offer higher regarded prospects than the Giants. St. Louis has also reportedly offered to take on a greater percentage of the money owed to Stanton, according to Craig Mish of SiriusXM.

While it is unclear who or how many players the Marlins would be getting in return if Stanton was dealt to the Giants or Cardinals. Names like Joe Panik, Chris Shaw, and Tyler Beede have been rumored to be part of a deal from the Giants, while the Cardinals have a lot of young talented pitchers to offer the Marlins as a serious incentive.

Right-hander Sandy Alcantara, who is a top prospect in the Cardinals organization, is said to be part of the St. Louis offer if the Marlins and Cardinals do business.

Amidst rumors, Stanton has last say

While the Marlins are seemingly pushing Giancarlo Stanton out the door, Stanton does have the last say. Stanton’s no-trade clause could put the whole deal to any team on ice.

Nevertheless, it probably won’t because after all who wants to be somewhere where they aren't wanted?

MLB expert Jon Morosi commented Sunday via Twitter that Stanton may be willing to wait to learn how interested the Los Angeles Dodgers were in acquiring him before he proceeded to agree to a deal with another team. Early MLB trade rumors have indicated that if Stanton was to agree to a trade from the Marlins, the LA Dodgers would be at the top of his short list.

In Stanton's career, he has put up numbers that rival a video game. In his eight seasons, Stanton has smashed 267 home runs while driving in 672. Last season was his best by far when he hit 59 homers and drove in 132.
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