Giancarlo Stanton seals blockbuster US$325m deal with Miami Marlins
Monster contract extension the richest in North American sports history
Twice All-Star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has agreed to an eye-popping contract extension worth US$325 million over 13 years with Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, the most lucrative deal in US professional sport.
"This is a landmark day," Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said. "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 deal includes a no-trade clause and Stanton, who is aged 25 and led the National League (NL) with 37 home runs last season, can opt out after six years, Loria said.
The mind-boggling move more than triples the previously biggest contract reached by the Marlins – US$106 million spread over six years for Jose Reyes in 2012. It averages US$25 million per season, or US$154,321 per game.
The deal also exceeds the previous MLB record of US$292 million over 10 years agreed by Miguel Cabrera with the Detroit Tigers in March.