Continuing with the trend of the Phillies being linked to every big name player in baseball, the bow tie man himself, little baby Ken Rosenthal ON FACEBOOK – because FOX hates text – reports that the Phillies considered trading for Giancarlo Stanton:

The concept was this: Marlins outfielders Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich to the Phillies, with the Phillies absorbing the remainder of the two contracts — Stanton’s monster deal through 2027 (he can opt out after ‘20) and Yelich’s below-market deal through 2021.

A potential $339.5 million, for those keeping score — a massive sum that surely would have limited the Marlins’ prospect return if the conversations ever got started, which, according to sources, they did not.

The Phils kicked around the concept internally, sources said. Their only commitment for 2018 is outfielder Odubel Herrera at $3.35 million, giving them the flexibility to acquire virtually any high-priced player they want. But they have not — repeat, not — expressed interest in Stanton, according to high-ranking officials with both clubs.

So… they considered it and never did anything about it.

Rosenthal goes on to say that the Phillies have more interest in Christian Yelich and that the Marlins at some point will certainly be sellers and the Phillies have the means to be buyers… and so both Stanton and Yelich may come up at some point.