Stanton trade to S.F. looking rather unlikely
A week has passed since a Giants delegation met with Giancarlo Stanton and his agent in Los Angeles, longer since the Giants and Marlins reached a deal that would have sent the National League Most Valuable Player to San Francisco if he were to agree to waive his notrade clause to come to the Bay Area.
The chances of Stanton accepting a deal to the Giants appear less likely with each passing day. There is evidence to support that.
The Chronicle heard Thursday afternoon that Stanton has told friends that the Giants are not his first choice and might be his last.
On Thursday evening, Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reported that Stanton does not want to accept a trade to either the Giants or Cardinals, the teams known to have reached agreements with the Marlins.
Rosenthal reported that Stanton could be swayed to change his mind if the Giants land twoway player Shohei Ohtani — they are one of seven finalists for the Japanese pitcher/outfielder — or if the Cardinals acquire Tampa Bay closer Alex Colome and third baseman Evan Longoria. Rosenthal also said Stanton’s preferred teams are the Yankees and Dodgers.
If true, that suggests Stanton prefers a team that is postseason-ready without having to restock with other big-time players.
The Dodgers’ ability to absorb Stanton’s contract is in question, however, given their high payroll and other financial concerns.
The Giants have remained patient waiting for Stanton to decide. They can afford to, because the trade and free-agent markets have stalled during the Stanton waiting game, but movement could start with the winter meetings next week.
The Giants have explored other alternatives for a middleof-the-order bat, including the top free-agent hitter, J.D. Martinez. They also are interested in former Reds and Mets outfielder Jay Bruce, who spent the final two months of 2017 as Cleveland’s right fielder.
Cleveland was not allowed to give Bruce a qualifying offer because he was traded midseason, so the Giants could sign the free agent without losing draft picks and international bonus money.
Bruce, 30, is a rare left-handed hitter who has raked at AT&T Park. In 31 career games, he has hit .293 with seven homers, 22 RBIs and an .882 OPS.