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.

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Either way, the Marlins are prepared to take Stanton into arbitration if they are unable to come to a contract agreement. Some numbers place a potential number around $13 million, which would make him the highest paid Marlin easily. Miami has maintained that Stanton is not available, despite what rumors out of Houston have claimed, but it is hard to imagine that they would let him walk for no return after 2015 if no agreement were in place.

To me, this offseason is going to determine whether Stanton stays with Miami or not. If they have to go to arbitration, or sign a one year contract, Stanton will be moved prior to the 2015 trade deadline. There are positives and negatives to both situations, what are you hoping happens? Let us know in the comments below!