The Giants are considered by many to be the favorites to trade for Giancarlo Stanton, which is reportedly supposed to take place sometime in the next few days.
On Monday afternoon, Tim Kawakami of The Athletic told Gary & Larry on KNBR that he agrees San Francisco is the most likely team to land the 2017 National League MVP.
“I think they’re the favorites. I know other people have said it, but I think they’re the favorites for two reasons. I think West Coast, California is probably his preference, although the Dodgers are No. 1 and the Giants qualify there,” Kawakami said. “They have the offer that seems to be pleasing for the Marlins, the one that involves Panik and all of those things that we’ve heard.”
On November 17, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Giants drew up an offer with the Marlins for Giancarlo Stanton. Three days later, several names exchanged in making that deal were revealed, including Joe Panik and the Giants’ No. 1 pitching prospect Tyler Beede.
Although the Giants appear to have the upper hand in the Stanton sweepstakes, the Dodgers may spoil their chances of trading for the slugging outfielder.
“If they wanted to step up, we know the Dodgers could do it with the money and talent and all they’ve got, but they don’t seem to be quite there,” Kawakami said. “If you add the location, plus the agreeability to what the Marlins are looking for, the Giants are clearly wanting to take the most money.”
If Stanton is primarily concerned about location, then the Dodgers are clearly Stanton’s first choice. Native to Southern California, playing for the Dodgers puts Stanton roughly 10 miles away his alma mater Norte Dame High School in Sherman Oaks. However, with their sizable payroll and backed up roster, the Dodgers are hesitant to take on Stanton’s mega deal, giving the Giants a considerable advantage.
“If I had to list the favorite teams right now, I’d say the Giants are No. 1,” Kawakami said. “Again, doesn’t mean they’re going to get him, but it’s just the meeting of the moment and their desperation and their ability to tap into the money. I think they’re the team that wants him the most and that usually means they get him.”
To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and skip to 10:40 for Kawakami on Stanton.