Giancarlo Stanton Says Signing The 13 Year 325 Million Dollar Contract With The Marlins Was The "Toughest Decision In His Life"
MIAMI — Giancarlo Stanton signed his record $325 million, 13-year contract with the Miami Marlins at a news conference formally announcing the deal Wednesday. Stanton signed the agreement at the start of the news conference while sitting next to owner Jeffrey Loria. The attendance-challenged franchise drew nearly 100 members of the media for the occasion.
The contract is the most lucrative for an American athlete and the longest in baseball history. It includes a no-trade clause, and Stanton can opt out after six years and $107 million. “We’re here to celebrate a landmark agreement, not only for the Marlins organization but for our entire community,” Loria said. Stanton said the deal points the Marlins in a winning direction.
“This is one building block toward a better future and a new way of life down here in Miami,” he said. “I’m glad to be here for my foreseeable future.” Stanton wasn’t due to become eligible for free agency until after the 2016 season, and signing him to a long-term agreement was considered a long shot. The Marlins haven’t reached the playoffs since 2003, and Stanton said Loria’s financial commitment to fielding a contender was his primary concern during negotiations. “I didn’t want to talk about dollars in the meeting,” Stanton said. “I wanted to talk about what’s our plan. Everyone wants to talk about the record-breaking deal. I want to have records on the field and do things on the field. That’s what this is about. “This was the toughest decision of my life. This is 13 years. I didn’t even go to school for 13 years.”
The Marlins hadn’t held a celebratory news conference on such a scale since their last spending spree, just before their ballpark opened in 2012. They went 69-93, leading to a payroll purge, and their average attendance of 21,386 was 28th among the 30 major league teams.
Man, I hope someday I have to make such a tough decision like this. Should I take the 325 million dollars or just nahhh. What a doozy. Really makes you stop and think, yeah you’re life may suck, you may hate your job and where you career is headed, but at least you’re not Giancarlo Stanton wrestling with the tough decision of signing a contract guaranteeing 325 million dollars. All about perspective guys. #ThoughtsAndPrayersForGiancarlo
Oh and the 13 year line, yeah that works, if you didn’t have an opt out after 6 years and a no trade clause. So basically nothing really changed, you could go anywhere you want in 6 years, or less if you want to demand a trade. Well I shouldn’t say Nothing changed, you did just get paid 325 million.
