Giancarlo Stanton Trade Rumors: 8 Top Prospects Miami Should Ask for in Deals

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This past offseason, the Miami Marlins went through their own version of Extreme Makeover.

A new name, a new logo, new uniforms, a new manager, a new stadium and a gaggle of new players that cost owner Jeffrey Loria over $190 million.

However, as President Barack Obama famously said during his 2008 campaign, "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig."

In other words, the makeover didn't work. The Marlins find themselves two games under .500 and nine games out of the lead in the NL East division.

What's more, ESPN's Buster Olney dropped a bit of bombshell on Tuesday, saying that if the Marlins become sellers at the end of the month, they would be willing to discuss every player on the roster, including Giancarlo Stanton.

Stanton, just 22 years old, is under team control through the 2016 season and not even arbitration-eligible until 2014. Those facts alone put his value through the roof.

If in fact Stanton is made available, contending teams will be salivating just at the thought of having Stanton in their outfield and under cost control for several more seasons.

Here are eight top prospects that teams would gladly give up in order to obtain Stanton.

Tyler Skaggs: Arizona Diamondbacks

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There have been rumors swirling around the status of Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton over the past several weeks now.

If Upton is indeed gone, the D-Backs are going to need a right fielder.

Pssst.... Mr. Towers, I just heard Giancarlo Stanton might be available.

If I were in GM Kevin Towers' shoes, I would certainly consider giving up top prospect Tyler Skaggs in order to acquire Stanton.

Skaggs has been terrific at two minor league levels this season, with a combined 7-4 record and a 2.80 ERA in 16 starts.

Billy Hamilton: Cincinnati Reds

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Cincinnati Reds shortstop prospect Billy Hamilton continues stealing bases at a record clip in the minors (he now has 110 on the season), and is hitting .318 to boot at Advanced Single-A Bakersfield.

However, who would you rather have—a guy with the potential to hit at least 40 homers every season (Giancarlo Stanton), or a guy who can run like a deer?

Chicks dig the long ball, and so do I.

Jean Segura: Los Angeles Angels

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Los Angeles Angels shortstop Jean Segura is going to be a very good player someday. However, his path to the majors may take a bit longer in Anaheim.

Both Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick have been locked up with long-term contracts through at least the 2015 season.

If Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton indeed becomes available, GM Jerry DiPoto should put together a package that includes Segura and Peter Bourjos.

Imagine an outfield in Anaheim that includes Stanton, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo.

That would literally turn first baseman Albert Pujols into a complementary player.

Xander Bogaerts: Boston Red Sox

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The Boston Red Sox absolutely love the power potential of young 19-year-old shortstop prospect Xander Bogaerts. At 6'3" and 175 pounds, Bogaerts has shown some of that power already at Advanced Single-A Salem, hitting .282 with 12 HR and 48 RBI.

However, imagine Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton hitting at Fenway Park.

If I were GM Ben Cherington, I wouldn't even flinch at the prospect of losing Bogaerts to acquire Stanton. Ownership has been adamant about not going over the luxury tax threshold—acquiring Stanton would certainly help accomplish that goal and help keep fans in the seats.

Jacob Turner: Detroit Tigers

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Detroit Tigers pitching prospect Jacob Turner is still a work in progress—he had a tough outing in a spot start on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels.

However, the Tigers are still very high on his ability to pitch at the major league level. Is that enough to keep him if Giancarlo Stanton were made available?

No.

A lineup that included Stanton, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, along with a returning Victor Martinez either late this season or next year gives the Tigers one of the most impressive middle-of-the-order hitting combinations in all of baseball. In fact, it would be one of the most formidable 3-4-5-6 hitting combos in recent memory on any team.

Jameson Taillon: Pittsburgh Pirates

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have made no secret their desire to acquire a right-handed bat. In fact, they have been involved in discussions already (via Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports) concerning Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton.

Thus far, Pirates GM Neal Huntington has refused to discuss prospect pitcher Jameson Taillon in any negotiations.

That could change if Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton were made available.

Imagine how well Andrew McCutchen could really hit if he had Stanton in the lineup alongside him.

Zach Lee: Los Angeles Dodgers

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The Los Angeles Dodgers just committed $85 million to current right fielder Andre Ethier to patrol the corner at Dodger Stadium for the next five seasons.

How about sticking Giancarlo Stanton in the other corner?

An outfield of Stanton, Ethier and Matt Kemp would indeed be nasty.

Seems like giving up prospect pitcher Zach Lee would be a small price to pay to see that outfield at Chavez Ravine for the foreseeable future.

Gary Brown: San Francisco Giants

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The cupboard is pretty bare in San Francisco in terms of top prospects—ESPN ranked their farm system 26th overall in the preseason.

However, if Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton were made available, I'd raid the cupboard even further.

Outfield prospect Gary Brown is developing nicely for the Giants, hitting .292 with five HR, 33 RBI and 27 stolen bases for Double-A Richmond.

But just the thought of adding Stanton to the Giants' outfield? Yeah, Brown's not that untouchable.

 

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.

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