Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees made clear his desire to win immediately.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — With the way his agent was speaking, the New York Yankees will be the final stop for Giancarlo Stanton on his baseball journey.
If this is, indeed, a quasi-curtain call, then go out with a better than average chance as a winner. Stanton told CalltothePen.com and the entire baseball world, during a media session at the winter meetings here on Monday afternoon, that he was tired of losing with the Miami Marlins.
His ultimate direction pointed to one destination. New York. In the end, Stanton was captivated by the history, culture, success, and aura of the New York Yankees.
After mired near the basement of the National League East Division for his career with the Marlins, and admitting there was no clear direction, Stanton simply told new Miami owner Derek Jeter and his staff that he wanted out … period!
After Stanton’s trade to the New York Yankees for infielder Starlin Castro and two minor-leaguers was finalized Monday morning following his physical, Joel Wolfe, his agent, made it clear that Stanton simply wants to win now, and going to the Yankees gives him the best chance of achieving that goal.
"“(Giancarlo) makes decisions, and then owns the decision. He did not want to play for the Marlins although he loves Miami. He just bought a house there, but can’t play for the franchise.”"
From his standpoint, Stanton told CalltothePen.com that he dreaded each spring training with the Marlins then playing in an empty house each night in Marlins Park. He felt there no continuity, no direction, no hope, and clearly no future in South Florida.
Stanton told CalltothePen.com:
"“There is no structure (in Miami), and it seemed to be a different direction each spring. Plus, there seems to be a new manager each year, and the team was not going in the right direction.”"
As soon as the season ended, Stanton told Wolfe to create a short list of teams in which he was willing to be traded. That list was narrowed to four, and included, in addition to the Yankees, the Giants, Cardinals, and Dodgers. In the end, Stanton indicated to his agent he wanted to win now and simply targeted the Yankees.
With 10 years and $295 million remaining on an original 13-year, $325 mil deal, Wolfe told Call to the Pen that the Marlins wanted out of what the Marlins considered a protracted obligation. As well, Stanton’s agent pointed out, the Yankees will likely the final stop for the 28-year Stanton.
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Now teamed with Aaron Judge, in what many consider the most power on one team since the Mickey Mantle–Roger Maris days, the sight for opposing pitchers will be frightening.
Stanton is coming off a 59-home run season and National League MVP while Judge, at 25 years-old, slammed 52 homers and drove in 114 runs.
That production made Judge a unanimous selection as the American League rookie-of-the-year, and a future of untold potential.
For his part, Stanton told CalltothePen.com he is uncertain how N. Y. manager Aaron Boone will use him, but that is not of immediate concern.
A right fielder by trade and that is also Judge’s position, Judge distinguished himself, especially during the post-season, with great catches in right. Stanton told us:
"“If the manager wants me in right field and also DH, that’s fine with me. I know Judge plays out there, and we respect each other. I’m excited that we’ll grow and get better together.”"
Next: Miami Marlins, Yankees Stanton trade terrible for MLB?
Falling one victory short of World Series entry and costing manager Joe Girardi his job as Yankees’ manager, New York GM Brian Cashman told Call to the Pen that, with Stanton, important segments are in place to achieve that the next level, and that would be a world championship.
"“The pieces are in place to take us forward. We’re very happy to have Giancarlo join our band of merry men.”"