Giancarlo Staton: Marlins Will Offer Contract Extension Regardless of Injury
Sep 7, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) reacts after he strikes out in the fourth inning in a game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Some pretty famous baseball players have had their careers cut short by injuries. Don Mattingly, Tom Seaver, Kirby Puckett, and Bo Jackson were just a handful of players who faced injuries that derailed careers at various points. After watching Giancarlo Stanton get hit in the face with a fastball, some concern was certainly justified.
Thankfully, Stanton appears to be alright, and according to ESPN, the injury isn’t going to stop the Marlins from offering the slugger what could potentially be the biggest contract in Miami Marlins history.
“There’s no hesitancy, no reservation or doubt he’ll return and be even better,” president of baseball operations Michael Hill said Thursday before the Marlins’ home finale.“We’re going to do everything in our power to keep him a fixture in our lineup for many years to come.”
I am grateful to hear Michael Hill say this to the media. I had a nagging fear that they would try to utilize this freak accident as a way to leverage Stanton into a contract cheaper than what he deserves. Thankfully Hill made it clear that he will be even better.
Admittedly, it would have been a despicable move, even for a Marlins team that has a spotted history regarding free agents, but you never know when Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is involved.
I am cautiously hopeful that Miami will make him an offer to be one of the top 3 highest paid outfielders in the game. Anything short of that will be laughed off the table, even as Giancarlo is heading to Los Angeles or Boston.
What do you think the chances of the Marlins signing Giancarlo Stanton are? Let us know in the comments below.