Cardinals, Giants out of the running for Giancarlo Stanton
The St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants said they're out of the running for Miami Marlins star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.
Stanton, still owed $295 million from his record $325 million, 13-year contract, said he would be open to a trade from the Marlins, but only to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros and New York Yankees.
“We had an agreement to acquire Giancarlo Stanton from the Miami Marlins, subject to him waiving his no-trade clause," Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt said in a statement. "We have been notified that he will not waive his no-trade clause to come to St. Louis. While we are disappointed in his decision, we will continue to make every effort to improve our club for the upcoming season.”
The Giants announced their elimination from the process via Twitter.
Stanton was the National League MVP, with 59 homers and 132 RBI and a .631 slugging percentage.
The Marlins finished 77-85 last season and, with a new ownership group that includes former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, appear to be in rebuilding mode.
“Unfortunately we were not able to convince Stanton to waive his no-trade clause and join the Cardinals," President of baseball operations John Mozeliak said in a statement. "We felt this was a great landing spot for him, but it was not meant to be.”
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