Giancarlo Stanton To Remain A Marlin, Payroll Increasing

Sep 8, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

For those of you who thought that the Marlins would entertain trading their talented slugger this offseason, you may need to think again. Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald is reporting that the Miami Marlins are going to make Giancarlo Stanton a fixture in right field next year, regardless of a contract extension or not.

"“He’s on this team [in 2015] either way,’’ said Marlins president David Samson. “I can’t wait until after the season to sit down with Giancarlo and [agent] Joel Wolfe and talk about contract. We’re ready. We want him to be a Marlin well past his arbitration years.“We hope that he believes in us and believes in Miami and believes in the direction of this team and recognizes that he has a chance to be the leader of a successful team for many years to come.’’"

Spencer went on to report that Miami will be increasing payroll from $44 million this year to about $6o million next year. Much of this $16 million increase is likely to be spent on Stanton, who made just 6.5 million dollars, well below the value of a player expected to finish in the top 3 of the MVP race.

One of the potential casualties of a Stanton contract extension could be Steve Cishek. Cishek is again available for arbitration and will likely get another raise that the Marlins may not be willing to pay. Cishek still has solid trade value after a fantastic season.