The Yankees have made it abundantly clear and put the rest of the American League on notice.
The Evil Empire and returned.
Saturday the Bombers have seemingly managed to land the biggest trade target in quite some time striking a deal with Derek Jeter and the Miami Marlins for the reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton.
sources: yankees and marlins have a deal for giancarlo stanton
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2017
Heading the other way to Miami is second baseman Starlin Castro, lower level minor league prospects in right-hander Jorge Guzman and shortstop Jose Devers plus $30 million dollars if Stanton doesn’t opt out of his contract after the 2020 season.
The minor leaguers #Marlins are getting are Jorge Guzman and Jose Devers, who is Rafael Devers' cousin.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 9, 2017
The Stanton saga was certainly an intriguing one that seemed to materialize this past summer as the Marlins placed the slugger on revocable waivers. However in November rumors started to swirl that the Marlins were looking to trim their overall payroll to around $90 million meaning high priced talent such as Stanton would look to be moved.
With that trade interest in the heavy hitting outfielder was red-hot as a deal seemed imminent, especially when it came to Miami’s National League counterparts in San Francisco and St. Louis. However Stanton invoked his no-trade clause in deals with the Giants and Cardinals as it looked like the NL MVP was perhaps holding out for a trade to the Dodgers.
A trade with LA though never came to fruition as the Yankees once again became the Yankees sweeping in and snatching up Stanton pretty much out of no where.
Now New York has once again became a terrifying thought for opposing teams and especially opposing pitchers.
To put his in perspective, Stanton will be inserted into a Yankees lineup that includes AL Rookie of the Year Aaron Judge and big hitting catcher Gary Sanchez who helped propel the Bombers to a MLB leading 241 home runs in 2017. Not only that the trio of Stanton, Judge and Sanchez combined for 160 home runs over their last 162 games. Meanwhile, AL East rival Boston managed 168 home runs collectively in 2017 which should not only strike fear in Dave Dombrowski’s thought of a counter but it’s probably pretty certain that the Yankees will not see a bunch of left-handed pitching in 2018.
#Yankees Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Gary Sanchez have combined for 160 home runs over their last 162 games played.
The #RedSox had 168 home runs in 2017.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) December 9, 2017
To add, playing all those games in Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park should do wonders for that New York home run total next season.
