Marlins want to extend Giancarlo Stanton, but aren't optimistic - MLB

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports writes that the Marlins plan to offer a contract extension to outfielder Giancarlo Stanton during the winter, but they aren’t optimistic about their chances. The Marlins tried to get the extension talks rolling last winter, but Stanton wanted to play out the 2014 season before making it a topic of discussion. According to Heyman, Stanton is happier with the Marlins now than when he criticized the club after they traded away Mark Buehrle and Jose Reyes, among others.

Stanton, 24, is earning $6.5 million this season and will be eligible for arbitration two more times before becoming eligible for free agency, sans an extension, in 2017. If the Marlins aren’t able to come to an agreement with their slugger, they’ll have no other choice but to shop him to what will certainly be a horde of interested teams.

Stanton has had an MVP-caliber season, leading the league with 27 home runs and 76 RBI while slashing .289/.389/.546 and stealing 10 bases.

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LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Marlins want to extend Giancarlo Stanton, but aren’t optimistic

Stanton, Donaldson, Kahnle activated by Yankees ahead of Dodgers series