Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton looking forward to the Postseason

Reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton was with the Miami Marlins for eight years until new CEO Derek Jeter traded him to the New York Yankees — where he’s now on a team that should be heading to the Postseason.

Giancarlo Stanton who is now a member of the Yankees was drafted in the second round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft by the then Florida Marlins. On June 6, 2010, he was called up to the major leagues — making his debut on June 8.

Thus far, Stanton has a .269 career batting average, with a .359 OBP/.550 SLG/.909 OPS.

The Marlins won two World Series champions — 1997 and 2003. The last time they were in the Postseason was ’03 when they defeated the Yanks, four games to two. Since then, it’s been rather quiet for the fish.

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Stanton signed a massive 13-year, $325 million deal including a no-trade clause in November 2014. That was before Jeffrey Loria sold the team for $1.2 billion to former Yankees shortstop, Derek Jeter, and businessman Bruce Sherman. Jeter runs the business and baseball sides of the organization, while Sherman serves as the control person.

When newly appointed CEO Derek Jeter took over the team, Stanton met with Jeter and Mike Hill (General Manager) and told the pair he thought the club could be a pitcher or two away from competing. Per Ben Reiter of SI.com:

"“Give it one half of the season,” Stanton said. “If we aren’t right there with the Nationals, or right there in the wild-card race, then you can deal everybody.”"

What happened instead was Derek and Mike gave Stanton an ultimatum. Either accept a trade to the St. Louis Cardinals or San Francisco Giants — or be stuck with the Marlins.

Hill then called Brian Cashman — the two would talk a bit more about Stanton at the Winter Meetings. Soon after, Stanton’s agent called him about the Yanks’ offer, and Stanton approved it.

The Yankees dealt second baseman Starlin Castro and two prospects, RHP Jorge Guzman and shortstop Jose Devers to the Marlins for Stanton, plus $30 million to cover luxury tax expenses.

On his way out the door, Stanton called the Marlins a circus, as ex-owner Jeffrey Loria poorly ran the organization. The Marlins have employed 12 different managers since 1993.

Dan Martin of the NYPost.com recently interviewed Stanton, who is enjoying this season much more than any of his previous eight in South Florida:

"“When every game matters, it’s always more fun,” Stanton said before the game. “You’re planning your vacation for Oct. 1,” Stanton said of what life was like with the Marlins.“You’re planning for your team to be fighting against another team on that date,’’ Stanton said."

Instead of planning for yet another vacation, Giancarlo is focusing on getting the Bombers to Postseason.

"“You plan vacations when you’re free, don’t you?” Stanton said. “I’m not worried about my vacation this year.”"

The Yankees played the Marlins on August 21 and August 22 in Miami, and Stanton received a much-deserved standing ovation.

I’m thrilled for Stanton. He’s finally going to get recognized as a true team player while being rewarded for his fantastic work ethic. With September rolling around, Stanton is hitting .277, while slashing .349/.520/.870 with 32 home runs and 82 RBIs.

This impressive production is essential for the Yankees, especially with Aaron Judge getting plunked on the wrist, and being placed on the disabled list back on July 26.