Back on July 10 during the Home Run Derby at Marlins Park in Miami, both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton — baseball’s two mammoth sluggers — put on a hitting display together for the first time in their careers. The two have been compared and contrasted quite often this season due to their raw power and stature, and as far as statistics are concerned, both Judge (32) and Stanton (30) lead their respective leagues in home runs. Quite a formidable force.
While one can only imagine how threatening a lineup consisting of Judge and Stanton would be, it appears the Yankees are interested in learning what it would actually take for that vision to come true.Â
According to FanRag Sports’ insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees reportedly contacted the Marlins regarding the status of Stanton, whose name has floated around in trade rumors this July.Â
Per Heyman’s report:
It isn’t known exactly how serious the Yankees were about adding baseball’s other superb bigger-than-life star, and they obviously have much more pressing needs than another superstar power-hitting outfielder. Not only do they have the 2017 sensation Judge for right field, they have yet another talented rookie outfielder, Clint Frazier, who’s racking up extra-base hits.
It isn’t believed the Yankees’ talk with the Marlins went far beyond an initial phone call, and that apparently came weeks ago, and there’s no evidence any Stanton talks are ongoing with the Yankees at this time.
Marlins people have said that Stanton isn’t “out there” on the trade market, but that hasn’t stopped at least “four or five” teams from checking in while the Marlins shop several other players. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is trying to sell the team, and the baseball people are selling some of their players – though everyone involved says there’s practically no chance for a Stanton deal at a time the whole franchise is in flux.
While the Marlins are looking to move valuable assets in an effort to restructure the franchise, it’ll be difficult for Miami to find any club that’ll take on Stanton’s massive contract. After this season, the 27-year-old outfielder is still due $295 million over the next 10 seasons, and even if the Yankees can afford him, one of their goals is to be under the luxury tax threshold by 2019, when baseball’s historic free agent class will be presented. Another issue with Stanton’s contract is that it’s rather backloaded, as he’ll make $25 million in 2018, $26 million from 2019-20, $29 million from 2021-22, and as much as $32 million from 2023-25.Â
Between Judge and Stanton, the two have hit a combined .294 with 62 home runs and 138 RBI this season.
If you want to connect with Tom Hanslin, email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @tomhanslin.
