Dodgers: Five bold predictions for the Winter Meetings
By Jason Reed
1. The Dodgers will not trade for Giancarlo Stanton — yet
Nothing is hotter in the MLB rumors right now than NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton being traded from the Miami Marlins. After slugging 59 home runs in route to becoming the MVP, the new Marlins ownership — led by Derek Jeter — wants to get rid of the massive salary that Stanton possesses.
Stanton’s officials already met with the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals in Los Angeles. However, the hometown kid’s most talked about option is indeed the Los Angeles Dodgers. Stanton wants to win, there’s a place to fill in left field and there is no better person to fill it than Stanton.
With a no-trade clause, Stanton can get whatever he wants. Although the Cardinals already traded Aledmys Diaz for outfield prospect J.B. Woodman — perhaps to intrigue the Marlins — it all falls on Stanton. No matter the offer, Stanton has the final say in trade negotiations.
Thus, we will likely see a stalemate. There is no question that the Dodgers would love to bring in someone of Stanton’s stature, but likely do not want to take on financial obligations. With Stanton’s no-trade clause, the Dodgers have the ability to play the cards however they want.
Expect the Dodgers to hold off on Stanton until after the Winter Meetings. After Stanton rejects multiple trades, making it clear he wants to be a Dodger, the Marlins have no choice but to eat some of the salary. Let’s just hope that Stanton is that picky about winning.