With a two-run blast in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 7-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton moved into sole possession of third place on his franchise’s all-time home runs list, per Lee Sinins of Complete Baseball Encyclopedia.
The home run, No. 144 of Stanton’s career, did little to help the Marlins’ chances of winning in a game that was all but decided. Still, the slugging outfielder moved within 10 long balls of the all-time franchise record of 154 home runs, held by second baseman Dan Uggla, who is currently a free agent.
Sitting in second place is current Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who hit 148 homers in a Marlins uniform from 2006 to 2012. Uggla and Ramirez played together as a double-play combo for five season from 2006 to 2010.
The man Stanton passed for third place Thursday night, retired third baseman Mike Lowell, holds the all-time franchise record with 578 RBI. Of course, much like Uggla, Lowell is merely keeping the seat warm for the 24-year-old Stanton, owner of 370 career RBI.
Though he’s been the subject of trade rumors for years now, Stanton figures to stick in Miami for at least a few more seasons, as the team is finally on the cusp of contention. Despite losing ace Jose Fernandez to Tommy John surgery, the Fish have remained competitive, holding a 55-59 record heading into Friday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
The team still has more than its fair share of holes to fill, but the outfield at least is set for the foreseeable future, as the powerful Marcell Ozuna is flanked by Stanton and the underrated Christian Yelich. Per FanGraphs.com, the Marlins’ outfield trio has combined for 9.8 wins above replacement (WAR) this season, with Stanton (4.6 WAR) leading the team, followed by Yelich (3.0) and Ozuna (2.2)
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