The Boston Red Sox should steer clear of Giancarlo Stanton

The Boston Red Sox are sitting at the top of the AL East, having won 10 of their last 12 games. With the team just now hitting their stride, it would be unwise to trade for a position player.

Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton has officially cleared waivers. As a result, many members of Boston Red Sox nation are lobbying to bring the physical specimen to Fenway Park. I would advise against doing this.

There is no debating Giancarlo Stanton’s ability to hit the long ball. He’s been red hot lately, slugging 21 home runs in his last 33 games**. And while it would be fun to see him shatter the windshields of parked cars on Lansdowne Street, the Red Sox simply aren’t in a position to trade for Stanton.

“But Ben, imagine what Giancarlo could do at Fenway Park”. Believe me, friends, I have. He would probably do damage to the Green Monster that would only cost the Red Sox more money.

**While I was typing this, the South Beach Slugger (made that up, pretty good right?) hit another home run. I still stand by every word I have written.

What would it cost?

In terms of his contract, Giancarlo is owed a lot of money. His contract is 13 years, $325,000,000. Being the third year, Giancarlo is owed at least $25,000,000 for the next 10 years. For those billionaires reading this, that is more than we can afford to pay.

Money aside, the Red Sox would have to give up some serious talent to get Stanton, who is in his physical prime at the ripe age of 27. I will chain myself to Fenway Park if it means protecting the likes of Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, and Boston’s favorite minor, Rafael Devers.

BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 14: Rafael Devers /

The acquisition of Stanton would most likely cost Jackie Bradley Jr. along with prospects. I’m partial to Jackie Bradley Jr. As a center fielder, he’s who I model my game after. While he won’t hit 50+ home runs, his defensive abilities are invaluable and he gives the Red Sox great 9-hole production.

If Giancarlo was cheap, of course I would love to see him don a Red Sox uniform. However, he is too costly of an investment to warrant consideration.

Power Potential

It seems as if the home run has evaded the Red Sox so far this season. Without David Ortiz, the Sox have posted the 5th lowest home run total in the MLB thus far.

Home run potential, however, is there. Mookie Betts and Hanley Ramirez lead the way with 18 dingers a piece, while Andrew Benintendi trails by 1, with 17. With Devers showcasing his power recently, the Red Sox have shown that they know how to produce beyond the wall.

More from Chowder and Champions

I believe the Red Sox have four players who will hit at least 30 home runs next year. Betts, Ramirez, Benintendi, and Devers. I think Devers has to potential to eclipse 40. While Stanton would undoubtedly bolster the team’s power numbers, the power will come.

If the Red Sox ever feel that they are in desperate need of home runs, they can turn to triple A Pawtucket outfielder Bryce Brentz. In 101 games in Pawtucket this season, Brentz has hit 27 home runs. There is power potential in the Boston Red Sox organization, we don’t need outsourcing.

Fighting with what we have

*Spoiler Alert* When Jon Snow leaves Khaleesi, she asks what he will do without her army. He says “we will fight with the men we have”. That is exactly what the Boston Red Sox must do. Unfortunately, the Sox are led by a lesser Jon in manager John Farrell.

Next: Boston Red Sox: Rafael Devers, Andrew Benintendi key in pennant race

This Red Sox team is young and poised for success. In no way am I saying that Giancarlo Stanton wouldn’t help the Red Sox in the short term. However, the cost is simply too great. I hope the Red Sox front office agrees with me.

Home/Boston Red Sox