MLB Draft Redux: The 2007 Dodgers first round picks

What if the Dodgers had selected Giancarlo Stanton in the MLB Draft?

While one can understand missing on Donaldson, one has to wonder how the Dodgers could have missed on a player that literally grew up in their backyard. The answer to that is because most of the other teams did as well.

Then known as Mike, Giancarlo Stanton was a big name on scout’s radar. Perfect Game, one of the premier showcase programs in the country, ranked Stanton 125th in the country for his graduating class, and sixth as a first baseman. There were also concerns about whether he wanted to play football or baseball and honor his scholarship offer from USC. However, one team took the chance, with the Marlins selecting Stanton with the 76th overall pick (2nd round).

Well, we all know the rest.

Stanton would decide to pursue baseball and within three years was already in the Marlins outfield, playing alongside Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna. In eight seasons for Miami, Stanton hit 267 home runs and drove in 672 runs while hitting .268/.368/.554. He would take home the 2017 National League MVP when he hit .281/.376/.631 with 59 home runs and 132 RBI.

Unfortunately for Miami (as is typical fashion for the Marlins), his 13-year, $325 million contract signed in 2014 became too rich for the ballclub and he was dealt to the New York Yankees in December 2017 trade. At the time, the Dodgers were rumored to be in on the bidding, as Stanton had indicated his desire to play for his hometown team and controlled a no-trade clause. However, Los Angeles never put up a worthwhile bid and he ultimately got dealt to the Yankees.

His time in New York has been mostly forgettable, at least by his standards, as Stanton has been limited to just 176 total games and 41 home runs over the last two seasons due to injuries. Still, in10 seasons, Stanton owns a lifetime slash of .268/.358/.547 with 308 home runs, 785 RBI, and a wRC+ of 142.

Of course, the Dodgers could have landed him years earlier, and not have worried about the trade route at all. Whether he would have fit into the outfield or at first base may have changed in Los Angeles, but it provides a fun “what if” moment for Dodgers fans.