Sources tell Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports that the Giants, Cardinals, and Phillies were the "most aggressive" pursuers for Giancarlo Stanton this summer.
More clubs are sure to join the mix when trade talks pick up this winter. It sounds like a near certainty that Stanton is going to be moved before the 2018 season, with new ownership looking to cut costs in Miami and fully restructure the organization. Stanton was able to avoid the disabled list in 2017 and finished with a stellar .281/.376/.631 batting line, 59 home runs, and 132 RBI in 159 games. The 27-year-old is owed $285 million on a mega-contract that runs through 2027. He also carries full no-trade protection, so he'll have a say in his destination.