Dec. 11, 2017 may have marked the low point in Marlins fanbase morale under new ownership. Giancarlo Stanton held his introductory press conference with the Yankees, in which the reigning NL MVP raved about joining a more competitive situation. Meanwhile, CEO Derek Jeter wasn’t available to offer the Marlins’ perspective on the trade; he was spotted in a suite at the Patriots-Dolphins NFL game taking place several hundred miles south of the MLB Winter Meetings.
The optics of the blockbuster were ugly and the reality of it was depressing. The Marlins dealt Stanton in his prime with salary dumping as the chief priority.