The Miami Marlins negotiated Giancarlo Stanton trades with the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals and then told Stanton that he had to pick one of the two destinations.

The Marlins gave Stanton an ultimatum that he'd be stuck with the Marlins until his 2020 opt-out if he didn't pick one of the clubs.

Stanton respects both the Giants and Cardinals, but preferred going to a more established contender.

While Stanton took meetings with the Giants and Cardinals, he was never close to approving a trade to either team.

The Marlins began to aggressively pursue a trade with the Yankees when they were unable to change Stanton's mind on the Giants or Cardinals.