Miami Marlins All-Star Giancarlo Stanton was named as a finalist for the Most Valuable Player Award on Monday.
Stanton has already taken home the Hank Aaron Award as well this off-season. While the MVP award could go elsewhere, Stanton's statistics give him a real chance of taking home the trophy. Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds are also finalists.
If Stanton is named the National League MVP, it would be the first time a Marlin has ever won the prestigious award. Despite having players such as Miguel Cabrera, Gary Sheffield and others, no Marlins player has ever been voted as the league's MVP. The 2017 season was a magical one for Stanton and it also may have been his last in Miami.
Rumors have swirled ever since new ownership took over in Miami and Stanton's days appear to be numbered. With a payroll purge expected, Stanton's ballooning contract will be hard to keep. While Stanton has a no-trade clause, it is likely he will waive it under the right circumstances. The slugger has gone on record with his displeasure over a potential rebuild.
In 2017, Stanton hit 59 home runs which was a franchise record. Stanton also set a Major League Baseball record for home runs in the month of August. As the final series was played, Stanton still had a chance of reaching 60 home runs. That is a total he could possibly reach later in his career, wherever that may take place.
The winner of the award will be revealed on November 16th.
