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Marlins News
Giancarlo Stanton (somewhat unsurprisingly) has been nominated as a finalist for the NL MVP award, alongside Paul Goldschmidt and Joey Votto, after posting one of the best offensive seasons in baseball history. He would be the Marlins’ first MVP, but supporters may not have too much time to celebrate the achievement as the rumor mill regarding the slugger's future continues to turn.
Of course, it is all speculation, but the sheer number of articles concerning a Stanton trade makes the move seem like a matter of how soon, not just when.
Miami has a relatively short list of players who have now become free agents, but one of those names is the legendary Ichiro Suzuki, who had his $2 million team option declined the other day.
There is no doubt that the Marlins need to be rebuilt in some way, but just how drastic that process will be is yet to be determined.
Around the League
As well as the MVP awards, the finalists for the Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year awards have been announced by the BBWAA.
With the conclusion of the World Series, the Hot Stove season has begun, and the free agent market is set to kick it up a gear over the next few weeks.
The deadline to offer players qualifying offers (1 year, $17.4 million) has now passed, meaning that teams bidding for those players who decline that offer would have to give the player's former team a draft pick in order to sign them.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman has said that poor relationships with players was one reason why long-time manager Joe Girardi was recently relieved of his duties in the Bronx.
Alex Cora's analytical background and connection to the city of Boston went a long way to persuading the Red Sox that he was a right fit to become their 47th manager.
Sports Illustrated has ordered a re-print of a 2014 issue in which they predicted that the Astros would win the 2017 World Series behind George Springer's bat. Original copies have been selling on the internet for more than $500.