It’s been a poorly kept secret that the Miami Marlins’ new ownership group will look to move outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and his massive contract this winter.
Despite coming off a 59-homer campaign, Stanton might prove to be too rich for Derek Jeter and the Marlins’ new ownership group. Remember, he signed a 13-year, $325 million contract with the team back in November of 2014. To say that’s cost prohibitive would be an understatement.
Now comes this report from Barry Jackson and Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald indicating that both Dee Gordon and Martin Prado could join Stanton in a potential Marlins fire sale.
“According to two sources, the Marlins will look to trade outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, who’s due $25 million next season, and also will try to trade second baseman Dee Gordon and third baseman Martin Prado,” the two reported.
Moves of this ilk would save the Marlins nearly $50 million in payroll next season. It would also mean getting rid of three veterans on an otherwise young offense, a clear indication that a rebuild could be in store for the Marlins.
We’ve seen this organization conduct two fire sales in its relatively young history. It remains to be seen how the fan base would react to yet another one, especially considering the moves would be the first big ones under this new ownership group.
Miami finished last season with a 77-85 record. So the idea of revamping the team’s roster makes a lot of sense. Whether that comes in the form of a fire sale remains to be seen.