Top 25 MLB stories of 2017, from Aaron Judge to Houston Strong

7. Giancarlo Stanton is on the move

Leading into Jeffrey Loria’s sale of the Miami Marlins to Derek Jeter and Bruce Sherman, Giancarlo Stanton’s name was frequently popping up in trade rumors. The small-market Marlins, without a competitive TV deal and minuscule attendance totals, simply would not be able to afford to pay out all 13 years and $325 million on the contract they had given their superstar. It was only a matter of if, not when, Stanton would play for another team.

As it turned out, Loria held onto Stanton and left the decision around his long-term status up to the new owners. With a full no-trade clause, Stanton was able to drive his trade market wherever he so desired. It was fairly obvious that the superstar preferred to go home to Los Angeles, but the Dodgers had no interest in blowing up their plan to get below the luxury-tax threshold.

It took less than 24 hours for Stanton to name the New York Yankees as one of four teams he would waive his no-trade rights for before a deal was completed. He now joins Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez in a lineup that could be one of the most powerful in MLB history.

For about 30 seconds in the postseason, the Yankees were the lovable underdogs, knocking off the heavily-favored Cleveland Indians and pushing the Houston Astros to the brink in the ALCS. Now, they’re back to their Evil Empire ways with one of the best general managers in the league in Brian Cashman pulling off flawless move after flawless move.