On Thursday night, Giants officials, led by Brian Sabean and Bobby Evans, met with Giancarlo Stanton's representatives in Los Angeles. Giants fans immediately took to social media, assuming the 2017 National League MVP was being shipped to San Francisco.
Slow down. It appears there's some big competition.
Cardinals officials are reportedly set to meet with Stanton's representatives in LA on Friday, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Sources: #STLCards officials have a meeting with Giancarlo Stanton today in Los Angeles. @MLB @MLBNetwork— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 1, 2017
To clarify, I am told the #STLCards meeting is with Giancarlo Stanton's representatives -- not necessarily Stanton himself. @MLB @MLBNetwork— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 1, 2017
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#STLCards meeting with Giancarlo Stanton's reps does not necessarily mean trade agreement is in place with #Marlins, but talks have reached serious stage -- as is also the case with #SFGiants. @MLB @MLBNetwork— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 1, 2017
The Cardinals and Giants have been seen as the two favorites to complete a trade with the Marlins for Stanton. The 28-year-old holds a no-trade clause, ultimately putting the power in his hands.
This past season, the Cardinals finished 83-79, good for third in the NL Central. On the other side, the Giants lost 98 games to finish last in the NL West.