MLB: Giancarlo Stanton of Miami Marlins to sign richest contract in sports history
Tuesday 18 November 2014 17:31, UK
Two-time All-Star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has agreed to record-breaking contract extension worth $325million over 13 years with the Miami Marlins, the most lucrative deal in American professional sport.
The deal includes a no-trade clause and Stanton, who is aged 25 and led the National League with 37 home runs last season, can opt out after six years,
"This is a landmark day," Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria told the MLB website. "I'm happy for the city. I'm happy for him. And I'm thrilled for baseball.
"We have a player who is committed to us, and we've committed to him for the life of his career."
The move more than triples the previous biggest contract agreed by the Marlins - $106m spread over six years for Jose Reyes in 2012.
The deal also exceeds the previous MLB record of $292m over 10 years agreed by Miguel Cabrera with the Detroit Tigers in March.
"It's great for this franchise and the city," said Loria. "Besides being a terrific athlete, he's a first-class young man. I've loved watching him play, but I love this kid. He's just a special young man."
A second-round pick by the Marlins in the 2007 MLB Draft, Stanton is one of the most feared power-hitters in baseball and, despite playing his home games in the spacious surrounds of Marlins Park, has blasted 154 career homers.
Stanton earned his first NL Silver Slugger Award and became the first Marlins player to win the Hank Aaron Award, which recognises the top offensive performer in each league and is voted on by fans and a panel of Hall of Fame players.
