Giancarlo Stanton extension talks may begin by November per report

Miami's offseason began shortly after a 1-0 loss to the Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon, and their first priority will be signing Giancarlo Stanton to an extension. While the Marlins have made it clear they want to get a deal done quickly, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reported conversations will likely begin by November.

First, Stanton is planning to go on vacation. The front office, meanwhile, will be finishing up business for this season and then put a plan in place for 2015. A realistic timeline for serious negotiations could be around the general manager meetings in Arizona in November.

"We stay in touch with our players all offseason," president of baseball operations Michael Hill said on Sunday. "We've said we'd respect his wishes during the season and we wouldn't discuss it. But now we're into the offseason. That is our plan, to talk with him about extending him beyond his arbitration years."

Although discussions may be informal, Stanton and his agent will likely speak to the Marlins before November, resulting in an easy transition when Stanton and the Marlins formally begin negotiations. Stanton is coming off of a 2014 campaign during which he hit 37 home runs and posted 105 RBIs. He was in the conversation for the National League MVP award before he was hit by a Mike Fiers fastball, which ultimately ended his season.

Frisaro notes that Stanton made $6.5 million in 2014, and that number will likely increase significantly moving forward. Even if they can't get a deal done, the Marlins said they are willing to keep Stanton signed on a year-to-year basis up until he is eligible to become a free agent.

Miami has not been specific with regard to the worth or duration of the contract they are planning to offer Stanton, however many, including Jim Bowden of ESPN, believe it will have to be somewhere in the 6-7 years/$300 million range.

Stanton, who had been linked to the Dodgers and Red Sox in the past, wanted the Marlins to prove to him they will compete consistently before he considered accepting an offer. The Marlins ended 2014 with 77 wins, 15 more than they had a year ago.

While they may have to continue to add to their young roster, the Marlins are confident they are taking the steps necessary to keep a player of Stanton's caliber. In order to ensure future stability, Miami extended Manager Mike Redmond's contract through 2017. Stanton may become the first player in Marlins history to receive a no-trade clause.

Stanton is represented by Joel Wolfe of the Wasserman Media Group.

"We have to hear from them and what their goals are, and what they hope to accomplish," Hill said. "We have some ideas we'll streamline and tighten up as have those meetings. And hopefully we're on the same page and can get something done."

As the offseason talks begin, stay tuned to Fish Stripes for the latest!