San Francisco Giants Rumors: Giants set to meet with Stanton reps

What’s been an ice-cold hot stove season thus far might finally come to a sudden boil, as Sirius XM sports radio host Craig Mish reports that the San Francisco Giants brass: Brian Sabean and Bobby Evans, are set to meet with the representatives of Marlins’ outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.

Stanton, of course, is the main attraction in baseball right now, as the Marlins made it quite clear that they intend to shed some of their payroll. Stanton has a full no-trade clause in his contract, which has another 10 years and $295 million remaining. The San Francisco Giants are willing to take on the entire contract, according to Mish, which also includes an opt-out clause after the 2020 season.

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Tonight’s news has definitely sparked the most excitement in the Giants’ twitter community in a very long time, and it’s much-needed excitement after an abysmal 98-loss 2017 season. No Giant has even hit 30 home runs since Barry Bonds hit 45 in 2004, and the Giants haven’t had a true superstar in the lineup, or even on the team since Bonds left after the 2007 season.

The addition of Stanton could very well be the start of a new era for the Giants, and it brings back memories of when the Giants signed Bonds to come over from Pittsburgh in December 1992. Like Bonds, if Stanton comes to San Francisco, he would be coming over on the heels of an MVP season, and like Bonds, he could even break baseball’s all-time home run record in a Giants’ uniform.

However, before fans get too excited, Marlins MLB.com beat writer Joe Frisaro has reported that a deal is not imminent and that the Marlins are still talking to other teams. Schulman also wrote that the Giants will be willing to move on if Stanton does not want to come to San Francisco.

"“If the Giants learn that Stanton is dead set against a trade, or wants to hold out for a possible deal with his hometown Dodgers, the Giants can move on to other options for improving the majors’ least productive offense in 2017.”"

UPDATE (12/1/17; 8:20pm): According to Henry Schulman, Bruce Bochy was NOT part of the team that met with Stanton’s reps yesterday.

Next: How the Giants can afford Stanton

Jon Morosi reported yesterday that the Giants have remained in contact with the Pirates for Andrew McCutchen, who had a bounce-back season, and who has a year remaining in his contract, as a possible alternative if the Giants don’t get Stanton.

There will definitely be a lot of drama in the coming days for a Giants’ fan base that is in desperate need of a boost after this season. If the Giants do indeed land Stanton, last season will suddenly be a thing of the past.