Giancarlo Stanton’s career could have taken a dramatically different turn if not for a near-miss trade to the Boston Red Sox in 2008. The former NL MVP was almost part of the chaotic Manny Ramirez deal that reshaped Boston’s roster.
While Stanton ultimately became a Yankee in 2017, these long-forgotten negotiations reveal how close he came to calling Fenway Park home. The slugger’s no-trade clause nearly redirected baseball history twice—first blocking a potential Red Sox move, then steering him toward New York when Miami sought trades.
Now as trade rumors swirl again, Stanton’s past near-moves resurface as fascinating “what-ifs” in MLB’s transactional lore.
- Giancarlo Stanton was nearly traded to the Boston Red Sox, as revealed by a former executive, highlighting a little-known trade deadline scenario that could have reshaped his career.
- The Red Sox’s historic 2008 “manic” trade of Manny Ramirez, completed post-deadline, parallels the chaotic nature of MLB trade negotiations, similar to Stanton’s near-move.
- Stanton’s potential arrival in Boston would have marked a dramatic shift for both franchises, with the former Marlins star almost joining the Red Sox amid deadline drama.
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Giancarlo Stanton Almost a Red Sox: Trade Deadline Rumors, Yankees Future, and Long-Lost Marlins Deals You Forgot About
Did Giancarlo Stanton really almost join the Red Sox in 2017?
The 2017 trade deadline nearly reshaped the AL East entirely when the Red Sox secretly pursued Giancarlo Stanton before his eventual move to the Yankees. Former Boston executives recently confirmed private negotiations with Miami that collapsed due to Stanton’s no-trade clause preferences. Boston’s package reportedly included premium prospects, but Stanton prioritized destinations like New York where media exposure and championship potential aligned with his brand.
The Marlins’ fire sale created one of baseball’s most fascinating what-if scenarios. Had Stanton waivered, Boston might have secured a historic middle-of-the-order duo with him and Mookie Betts. Instead, the Yankees absorbed his massive contract for relatively little prospect capital – Starlin Castro and two minor leaguers – thanks to Stanton’s leverage.
Why the Yankees might finally move Stanton this deadline
New York’s DH situation has reached a tipping point with Stanton’s declining mobility and Aaron Judge’s need for regular rest days. Scouts note Stanton’s meaningful adjustments during his recent rehab assignment – shortening his swing with two strikes – but his .720 OPS since 2022 makes the remaining $98 million through 2028 increasingly burdensome.
The emergence of Spencer Jones creates fascinating possibilities. New York could eat 50% of Stanton’s contract to facilitate a trade to an NL team needing bench power, similar to how the Cardinals unloaded Nolan Arenado. The Angels, Pirates, and Nationals have all previously inquired about Stanton’s availability when the Yankees subsidize the deal.
Possible landing spots ranked
- San Diego: Needs RH power after trading Juan Soto
- Seattle: Could use him as full-time DH
- Miami: Nostalgic reunion at discounted rate
What was Miami’s original plan for Stanton before the trade?
Few remember that the Marlins signed Stanton to his $325 million extension in November 2014 specifically to build around him – only to pivot towards a full rebuild three years later under new ownership. Miami’s front office envisioned pairing Stanton with Jose Fernandez and Christian Yelich as long-term cornerstones, backed by a promised payroll increase that never materialized.
The tragic death of Fernandez in 2016 and Jeffrey Loria’s sale to the Jeter group altered everything. Stanton’s record contract became untenable for a team slashing payroll below $60 million. Ironically, Miami’s current outfield of Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jesus Sanchez, and Avisail Garcia costs less combined than Stanton’s annual $25 million AAV.
How Stanton’s Yankees tenure compares to other megadeals
| Player | Contract | OPS+ | Postseason HR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giancarlo Stanton | 13yrs/$325M | 125 | 8 |
| Alex Rodriguez | 10yrs/$275M | 143 | 15 |
| Manny Machado | 10yrs/$300M | 132 | 5 |
While Stanton’s Yankees production hasn’t matched his 2017 MVP peak, he’s delivered signature October moments (like his 2018 ALDS heroics) that justify some of the investment. His 38 postseason games trump many contemporary sluggers, though injuries have prevented him from becoming the next Reggie Jackson as envisioned.
Could Stanton return to Miami as a mentor?
As Stanton enters his mid-30s, speculation grows about a potential homecoming to tutor Miami’s young core. The Marlins value veteran presence, having previously brought back Ichiro Suzuki and Dee Strange-Gordon in diminished roles. Stanton maintains property in South Florida and has expressed fondness for the organization that drafted him.
What the Red Sox learned from missing on Stanton
Boston’s near-acquisition prompted lasting philosophical changes. After seeing how Stanton’s contract hampered roster construction, the Red Sox became more cautious with long-term commitments to sluggers. Their pivot toward versatile defenders like Rafael Devers (before his trade) and Triston Casas reflects lessons from watching the Yankees navigate Stanton’s decline.
The Devers saga particularly underscores this shift. Where Stanton’s situation demonstrated the risks of no-trade clauses and opt-outs, Devers’ resistance to position changes highlighted new front office priorities. Boston now favors athletes who embrace defensive flexibility – a stark contrast to their previous pursuit of immobile power hitters.
Boston’s post-Stanton pivot
- 2018: Signed J.D. Martinez (5yrs/$110M)
- 2021: Extended Devers instead of Betts
- 2025: Traded Devers mid-contract