Marlins, Giancarlo Stanton finalize 13-year, $325 million deal

The Miami Marlins, notorious for their firesales and miniscule player payrolls more than their two World Series titles, completed an image makeover by signing All-Star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton to the largest contract in North American team sports history.

The Marlins, finalized a 13-year, $325 million deal with their marquee player. The Marlins have scheduled a press conference Wednesday to announce the deal.

The deal eclipses Alex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million contract with the New York Yankees.

Stanton, 25, who finished runner-up in the MVP race to Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, was eligible for free agency in two years.

"He's the leader of this franchise,'' Marlins president David Samson told USA TODAY Sports in September. "We always knew the talent he had, but what he's done this year, playing every day, he's the definition of a game-changer.''

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Stanton will also be protected in the deal if he's unhappy over the team's direction, or if the contract becomes undervalued. There will be an opt-out clause in 2020, along with a no-trade clause, which the Marlins hadn't provided to any free agents under owner Jeffrey Loria.

"It's been a long-standing policy,'' said Mike Hill, Marlins president of baseball operations, "but you're talking about a tremendous talent. You look at the marketplace, and what other elite players have gotten.''

The Marlins' plans to sign Stanton a record contract, revealed in September to USA TODAY Sports, certainly alters their reputation, and will put an end the constant rumors that they will trade Stanton.

Stanton told USA TODAY Sports that he was always willing to listen about a long-term extension, but simply wanted assurances that the team is committed to winning.

"Winning,'' Stanton said, "has a way of curing a whole lot of things.''

Stanton was angry two years ago when the Marlins had a fire sale in November 2012, just 10 months after they had a spending frenzy in the free-agent market.

"It wasn't the trades that made me mad,'' Stanton said in September, "it was just how it all went down.''

Now, after spending only about $300 million on their entire payroll the last five years, the Marlins promised Stanton they would be competitive, and building around him as the centerpiece of their franchise.

Stanton, despite missing the final 17 games after being hit by a pitch in the face, led the National League with 37 homers. He also drove in 105 runs while batting .288. He was leading the league in slugging percentage (.555), total bases (.299) and walks (94) at the time of his injury.

"We call him a no-food player,'' Sampson says. "A no-bathroom player. When he comes to the plate, nobody leaves their seat.''

Now, the man won't be leaving South Beach, either.

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