Source: Stanton won't opt out after season

September 25th, 2020

NEW YORK -- On the day that was formally introduced as the newest member of the Yankees, proudly posing with a pinstriped jersey at the 2017 Winter Meetings, the slugger assured questioners that he would have no desire to opt out of his contract in 2020.

That stance has not changed. As it was then, Stanton’s plan is to remain with the Yankees for the duration of his contract, which can expire after the 2027 season, a source confirmed to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Friday. Neither Stanton nor the club has confirmed.

Considering Stanton has missed most of the last two seasons due to injuries and is owed $218 million over the next seven years, his decision not to opt out represents no surprise.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic altered baseball’s financial landscape, Stanton would have experienced great difficulty finding a team willing to improve upon the terms of his current deal.

Originally a 13-year, $325 million pact with the Marlins, Stanton will earn $29 million in 2021 and '22, then collect $32 million for the '23, '24 and '25 seasons. Stanton is due $29 million in '26 and $25 million in '27.

His contract includes a $25 million club option for 2028, with a $10 million buyout.

Because Stanton is not opting out, the Yankees will receive $30 million in relief from the Marlins, a condition of the Dec. 11, 2017, trade that sent Stanton to New York in exchange for infielder Starlin Castro, right-hander Jorge Guzman and infielder Jose Devers.

The Marlins have some time to prepare; those payments are due in $5 million installments during the 2026, ’27 and ’28 seasons.