Retaining Giancarlo Stanton a Priority for Miami Marlins

Sep 24, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) connects for a base hit during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Larry Beinfest may no longer be apart of the Miami Marlins future, but the team has made it a priority to retain the services of star right fielder Giancarlo Stanton for 2014, and maybe beyond. This is according to Marlins.com’s Joe Frisaro.

An MLB source told Frisaro that Frisaro that he doesn’t “see any scenario” where the Marlins would look to trade their slugger. Another source told Frisaro that the Marlins are planning on rebuilding their team around Stanton. They have no current plans to trade the 23-year old.

The two sides are expected to agree on a 1-year contract for the 2014 season, as opposed to a long-term extension for two reasons: 1. Stanton wants to keep his options open, and 2. the team has some concerns over the slugger’s durability.

Stanton will be arbitration eligible for the first time this off-season and Frisaro envisions him earning $7 million in the arbitration process. This is a number that many of Frisaro’s sources believe would be highly affordable for the Marlins. The Marlins payroll has yet to be determined by Loria, but figures to be around the $37 million range the team began the season with.

On Friday night the Marlins faced off against former Marlin superstar and current Tiger third baseman, Miguel Cabrera. When he came to the plate in the first inning, Cabrera received a standing ovation from the Marlins home crowd. Most Marlins fans have not gotten over the Marlins trading Miguel Cabrera seven years ago and hope to not be forced to go through the same process once again with Stanton.

Of course, Stanton stole the show in Miggy’s return to Miami, picking up the game winning three-run double in the third inning. The Marlins defeated the playoff bound Tigers 3-2 on the night.

While many Marlins fans still wonder “what if” in regards to Cabrera’s shortened tenure with the Marlins, their fears will be washed away, for at least this off-season, that another superstar could be slugging homers in a different uniform.