This weekend during PirateFest in Pittsburgh, Pirates owner Frank Coonelly had some comments about Giancarlo Stanton’s landmark 13-year, $325 million contract. The numbers involved with the deal blow his mind, and he shared an interesting line of thinking from Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and president David Samson – they firmly expect Stanton to exercise the opt-out in the contract, which would relieve the team from paying two-third of the money due to him. Rob Biertempfel of Trib Live has the details.
When asked for his reaction to Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton’s 13-year, $325 million extension, president Frank Coonelly chuckled and said, “It seems like Monopoly money, doesn’t it?”
Coonelly then got off his stool on the stage and stepped toward the crowd. He talked about an exchange he had with Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and president David Samson during the recent owner’s meetings.
“They thought it was a great deal,” Coonelly said. “I just couldn’t get my head around the $325 million. They said to me, ‘You don’t understand. (Stanton) has an out clause after six years. Those first six years are only going to cost $107 million. After that, he’ll leave and play for somebody else. So, it’s not really $325 million.’ “
Interesting, though not unexpected. However, I think Loria and Samson may be a little misguided with their belief Stanton will opt out. Which team out there would be willing to give an outfielder heading into his age 31 season $218 million? Assuming a player will opt out when provided the opportunity is usually wise, but this isn’t a Zack Greinke or C.C. Sabathia situation where the opt-out is only three years into the contract – a lot can happen in six years.
