MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Possible Destinations for Giancarlo Stanton

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As crazy as it may seem, there is a possibility that the Miami Marlins could trade Giancarlo Stanton prior to the 2012 MLB Trade Deadline, according to Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required).

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com has also confirmed that it makes sense for the Marlins to listen to offers for Stanton. MLB general managers would salivate at the chance to acquire one of the best young players in baseball today.

There is no doubt that the cost for Stanton would be incredibly high, but he is probably worth the small army of prospects that he would cost. Stanton is type of player who can be a cornerstone for years to come.

While Stanton is currently on the disabled list after he underwent knee surgery, that does not mean that the Marlins can't trade him (h/t Larry Stone of The Seattle Times). Stanton would be a fit for any of the teams in the majors, but some would be more inclined than others to go after him.

Texas Rangers

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The Texas Rangers have one of the best farm systems in baseball, and that would provide them with a fantastic opportunity to trade for Giancarlo Stanton if the Miami Marlins made him available. Miami would have their choice of elite prospects if they were to deal Stanton.

Not only would Stanton provide a huge boost to the Rangers' lineup this year as they attempt to reach their third straight World Series, but he would also provide the Rangers with an insurance policy in case Josh Hamilton were to leave as a free agent after the year.

Any deal between these two teams would have to involve at least one of Jurickson Profar, Elvis Andrus, Mike Olt or Martin Perez, in addition to other prospects from the Rangers' system.

Pittsburgh Pirates

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While it seems that Pittsburgh Pirates' general manager Neil Huntington is unwilling to move Starlin Marte or Jameson Taillon in a deal for Justin Upton, that does not mean they are completely untouchable (h/t Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports).

Huntington could change his mind if dealing those two meant that he could bring Giancarlo Stanton to Pittsburgh.

Stanton would be a perfect fit for the Pirates since he is still arbitration eligible and would become a huge power bat in the middle of the team's lineup. A pairing of Andrew McCutchen and Stanton in the Pirates' outfield would be a great nucleus to build around.

Detroit Tigers

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Imagine having to face a lineup that included Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera and Giancarlo Stanton.The Detroit Tigers could try to make that a possibility if Stanton becomes available.

Detroit would get even scarier next year once Victor Martinez returns from his microfracture surgery.

There are two players in the Tigers' organization that would interest the Marlins. Top prospects Jacob Turner and Nick Castellanos are both very close to being ready for the majors. They would be a good haul in return for Stanton.

Miami and Detroit have pulled off a blockbuster deal in the past when the Marlins sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers for Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller, Mike Rabelo, Dallas Trahern, Burke Badenhop and Eulogio De La Cruz.

New York Mets

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If the Miami Marlins do decide to trade Giancarlo Stanton, it is hard to envision them moving him within the division. However, the New York Mets have the prospects needed to pry Stanton loose.

Zack Wheeler has all of the makings of a future ace, and he would be a centerpiece in any deal for Giancarlo Stanton. The Mets could also include a few MLB players such as Lucas Duda, Daniel Murphy or Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

To sweeten the deal, the Mets could also throw in minor league pitcher Jeurys Familia to seal it.

Cincinnati Reds

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Billy Hamilton was untouchable at the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline, and that has likely not changed (h/t Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports). However, the fact that Giancarlo Stanton might be available could change that fact.

The Cincinnati Reds may be willing to part with Hamilton if it means that they could get Stanton in return. Hamilton would need to be packaged with at least one of Daniel Corcino or Tony Cingrani, as well as a few other prospects.

Adding Stanton would provide a huge boost to the Reds' outfield and it would help them take the National League Central this year. He would be especially useful while Joey Votto is on the DL (h/t Joe Kacik of The Virginia-Pilot).