The Giants are seemingly all-in on trading for Giancarlo Stanton, but the Los Angeles Dodgers don’t share their rival’s same dedication to acquiring the slugging outfielder. Instead, the Dodgers are keeping the baseball world in suspense by taking their time in deciding whether they should pursue Stanton.
“The Dodgers have to be in this thing too,” Kuiper said on Murph & Mac Wednesday morning. “I think, they’re always going to linger. That’s who they are.”
From Stanton’s viewpoint, waiting out for the Dodgers might make the most sense. Stanton’s strong ties back to Southern California lead many to believe the Dodgers are his top choice.
During his time at Norte Dame High School, Stanton participated in a private workout at Dodger Stadium in 2007 as a 17-year-old high school student. His offseason residency is in Southern California and much of his family still lives in the area.
Not to mention, the Dodgers have been perennial NL West champions since 2013, with most recent division title leading them to the 2017 World Series.
“If you have a no-trade clause in your contract, then you can do this,” Kuiper said. “Look, he’s born and raised in L.A. and I’m sure he’d love to go back and play in his hometown for a team that just reached the World Series and was one win away from being world champions. It bothers all of us because it’s the Dodgers, but if you look at things through his eyes, he’s trying to play this thing out to get where he’s most comfortable.”
Regardless of what comes after the Dodgers make their decision on pursuing Stanton, the Giants reportedly have several backup plans in the works, including Andrew McCutchen.
Source: #SFGiants have remained in contact with #Pirates on Andrew McCutchen, who is among options they could pursue if they do not acquire Giancarlo Stanton from #Marlins. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 29, 2017
“It may end up that the Dodgers decide they can work some angles to get him and if they do, then you got to go to plan B,” Kuiper said. “I’m sure the Giants have plan B, plan C, I think they have a lot of plans, but unfortunately they kind of have to wait to see how this thing plays out.”
To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and skip to 10:20 for Kuiper on Stanton.
