13 years & $325 million dollars? The Miami Marlins make early strides
The average Major League Baseball career may be a little over five years, but the Miami Marlins have broken the bank (literally). 25-year-old rising star, Giancarlo Stanton has officially agreed to a new 13 year deal with the team, reportedly worth over $325 million. This now surpasses Miguel Cabrera and Detroit Tigers 10-year, $292 million deal they agreed upon earlier this year, as the new largest contract in the history of sports.
Fresh from finishing second in the MVP race, Stanton led the team in homers, rbi’s, on-base-percentage and batting average – so to say he’s been contributing the most of their offensive production is an understatement. He was eligible to become a free agent in the 2016 season, but signs his life away in a no-trade long-term deal.
Alongside fellow rising young players Marcell Ozuna, Henderson Alvarez, Jose Fernandez, Adeiny Hechavarria and gold glove left fielder Christian Yelich – the Marlins are looking to become a legitimate pennant contender this fall, showing their willingness to spend away. This should obviously attract a few key free agents to know management is chasing a World Series, for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in over 10 years.
The mega deal has seen some criticism of the Marlins for investing this much into one single player, but everyone is happy for Stanton having complete control of his career.