Sources: Pirates would "have to" deal trio of prospects for stanton

Giancarlo Stanton is a great trade target. The outfielder has hit 117 home runs in 489 games for the measly Marlins. They could try to trade him to "ravenous" teams, getting a very large amount of top prospects, and perhaps building their future playoff team. From a Miami Marlin standpoint, they aren't going to win in 2014. They probably won't win in 2015. But, if they trade Giancarlo Stanton, they may be able to be good again in 2016, or sooner.

One team in the running for Stanton is the Pittsburgh Pirates. A source told me that they would have to deal a trio of top prospects to acquire Stanton. They would have to trade young stud Gerrit Cole, and top prospects Jameson Taillon and Gregory Polanco if a trade was to happen between the Pirates and Marlins for Stanton. Cole, the only player with major league experience, went 10-7 with a 3.22 ERA this season, winning National League Rookie Pitcher of the Month for September. Cole would really help bolster a young, inexperienced Marlins pitching staff that definitely could use some help. Many indications, however, point to the Pirates not doing this deal. According to another reporter, he states that he "could not" see the Pirates doing this deal. I don't either, but I do believe that this is what they'd have to give up in order to have a real shot at a deal.