MLB Rumors: Giancarlo Stanton will use 2014 season to determine future with Marlins

Mar 12, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) reacts in the dugout during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

While the media, whether it be the national or Miami, consider Giancarlo Stanton‘s 2014 season with the Miami Marlins to be his last in Miami. Giancarlo has yet to make his determination if he wants to sign a potential extension with the team or not.

Stanton has repeatedly mentioned this Spring that his future with the Marlins would be determined by the direction of the Marlins team. Stanton told Jon Heyman of CBS that he wants to wait for at least a year before considering a long-term future with the Marlins:

"Before making the plunge, Stanton very respectfully admitted in the interview here that he’d ‘need a season’ seeing the team before contemplating locking himself into anything long term. Can’t blame him there.”"

Stanton also told Heyman that he believes there is a good vibe with the current Marlins team, and added “and I’d say so if it wasn’t.” Many still remember his tweet after the firesale, where he sent out the tweet: “Alright, I’m pissed off!!! Plain & Simple.”

Another interesting tidbit from Heyman was that Stanton enjoys living in Miami, which could help factor into his decision of potentially signing a long-term deal with the Marlins:

"He loves living in Miami (he resides downtown, not far from the stadium), and he relishes his winters working out at UCLA, not too far from where he grew up in the Los Angeles Valley. He called it “super chill’ which conjures an idyllic setting to work on his game, barring rush hour which he has learned to avoid. His strategy? During those times, “I don’t leave the house.”"

This fits into what we have read about Stanton and a potential homecoming signing in Los Angeles. Stanton grew up in the Los Angeles area and was a Los Angeles Dodgers fan growing up. His friendship with Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp has also fueled the rumors of Stanton leaving the Fish when he becomes a free agent after the 2016 season to sign with the L.A. team.

The 2014 season continues to look more and more like it could potentially be one of the most important seasons in franchise history. If the Marlins can prove to Stanton that they are finally headed in the right direction, the team would have a decent chance of resigning the budding superstar. This would also go a long ways in proving to potential free agents down the road that the Marlins are a practical destination.

If the Marlins struggle immensely during the 2014 season, much like they did in 2013, the team not only could be at an impasse with Stanton, but they could risk having their young players see what Stanton has seen in his young Marlins career, more roster turnover and instability. This could leave them to seek greener pastures outside of Miami as well.

Stanton is under team control through the 2016 season, but the 2014 season is the one that could decide his future. I’d expect the Marlins to offer Stanton an extension after the season. The results of the 2014 season could mean a lot more to the Marlins than their placing in the standings.