Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Marlins have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball right now, and the Ricky Nolasco trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers takes the largest contract on Miami off the books. The next step for the Marlins should not be more trades, but to give its biggest star the money he deserves.
The only way that Miami is going to keep putting fans in the seats is if they lock up their biggest star, Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton has been the only bright spot for the Marlins since the team called him up in 2010. He hit 37 home runs last season, a career high. However, without any protection in the lineup this season, Stanton only has eight home runs and 22 RBIs.
Miami’s future is looking bright with Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick becoming top hitting prospects in the farm system, along with young stars on the mound like Jose Fernandez. Adding Stanton to the mix for the prime of his career could make the Marlins a contender in the National League East.
The best move for Jeffrey Loria right now is the only move he can make: give the slugger a five or six-year contract with an option for a seventh or an opt out year after the fifth year. It should be worth between $65-90 million. After that, protection around Stanton is needed for him to prosper.
Ryan Gaydos is a MLB columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
