November 17, 2014

Start Spelling Stanton with a $

Thirteen seems to be Giancarlo Stanton’s lucky number:

Superstar outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and the Marlins now have a deal in place for a record $325 million over a record 13 years, sources connected to the team say. That landmark contract keeps the beloved Stanton in Miami at least through his 20s and maybe until he’s 38, and brings credibility to a franchise that’s seemed cash-strapped and beleaguered at times but appears to be on the upswing now.

Stanton, 25, will receive a crucial early opt-out clause in addition to a no-trade provision, according to those sources. According to the terms of this deal, which is the largest in North American sports history — eclipsing Miami product Alex Rodriguez‘s $275-million Yankees contract — Stanton will be able to opt out not long after he turns 30, giving him a chance to set a second contractual record, as A-Rod did at age 32, via his opt out seven years ago.

I think this being considered the biggest contract is a bit of an exaggeration. It’s worth $25 million a year, the same as Alex Rodriguez received in 2001. It’s just longer term. Since if Stanton is anywhere near good when the opt-out comes around, he’ll test the market.

I’m still waiting for the true mega-deal, the 10-year, $400 million contract that Mike Trout might have gotten had he played out his time and went to free-agency early.

3 thoughts on “Start Spelling Stanton with a $

  1. rbj

    It’s a big enough deal to give Loria cover over whether or not he’s fielding a competitive team, but not so big as to cripple the team on an annual basis. And it’s a moveable contract if Stanton is agreeable.

    Now we just need to see with whom Loria surrounds Stanton.

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  2. pft

    Arods deal in 2001 was equal to 50 million AAV in todays dollars. Manny’s was 40 million. Owners have pretty much capped the elite end of the market since then. Maybe their smarter, or the MLBPA accusations of collusion are on base

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