If I told you a few weeks ago that Giancarlo Stanton would be in pinstripes this upcoming season, you probably would have thought I was delusional. Out of my mind. No chance on Earth. Reactions would have ranged from “We have our own Giancarlo Stanton, and his name is Aaron Judge!” to “There’s no need to unload the farm system, we’re set with what we have!” These reactions and responses to my statement would have all been valid, and I would have agreed.

But financial constraints for the Miami Marlins compelled new ownership to change the direction of the franchise. And what seemed like a dream for Yankee fans, a fairytale, a one in million chance, has become reality. General Manager Brian Cashman was able to work his magic with the Marlins right before the Winter Meetings kicked off. The Yankees outfield next year will now feature both Aaron Judge and reigning National League MVP, Giancarlo Stanton. The trade sends former All-Star second baseman Starlin Castro to Miami, along with two prospects who have yet to see action higher than Double A. This is both shocking and confusing as the Yankees gave away almost nothing to acquire a man of Stanton’s caliber, who they honestly had no pressing need for.

Before the blockbuster deal, Stanton’s only years in the majors came with the Florida/Miami Marlins. A man who hit 59 home runs with 132 RBIs doesn’t seem like a player who would find himself on the trading block at season’s end. Stanton stated after he won the MVP that he felt the Marlins lineup was fully capable of reaching the playoffs if the team went out and signed a few quality pitchers to complement its potent offense. With starters such as Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish on the market, Miami surely had the ability to accomplish its star player’s wish and convince him to stay. Unfortunately for the slugger, the Marlins made it clear early in the offseason that their plan is rebuild after trading Dee Gordon to Seattle. Stanton then made his intentions clear in wanting out of the organization as he did not want to take part in another lengthy, rebuilding effort. After rejecting trades to the Giants and Cardinals, Stanton narrowed his choices down to the four best teams in baseball – the Dodgers, Astros, Cubs, and Yankees. The Dodgers were the original favorites to land the California native, but Cashman worked feverishly to strike a deal. One of the new owners of the Marlins (for those who are unaware) is former Yankees captain Derek Jeter. After negotiating through the night, New Yorkers woke up on Saturday morning to hear that one of the most fearful hitters in the game was joining the Bronx Bombers.

The financial commitment to Stanton is substantial. It includes paying him a combined $265 million over the next 11 seasons. But New York would have paid the same if not more for outfielder Bryce Harper next offseason. Now here’s the question everyone’s been asking. How does this trade benefit the Marlins? To land Stanton, many would think you’d be giving away all future talent in the system. But somehow, the Yankees were able to pry Stanton away without giving up any of their top prospects (Gleyber Torres, Clint Frazier, Chance Adams, Estevan Florial, or Justus Sheffield). Castro is a solid option at second base, but the Bronx Bombers have Torres ready and waiting in the wings. Yes, Miami got money off the books, but at what cost? After the trade, Jeter stated the new plan was to flip Castro for more young talent (potential suitors include the New York Mets). Conspiracy theorists immediately took to social media and commented on the questionable nature of the trade. Did Jeter join the Marlins just to make his lifelong team World Series favorites? Maybe the Captain still remembers the painful World Series loss to the Florida Marlins and wanted the Yankees to have the last laugh over a decade later. Whatever the case may be, this trade certainly shook the landscape of the league and set the tone for the Winter Meetings

In an interview with owner Hal Steinbrenner earlier this week, he stated that he was thrilled to receive one of baseball’s best players while remaining under the luxury tax. While he didn’t elaborate much, the Yankees owner mentioned the Yankees were by no means done making moves. With still over $20 million left to sign free agents and a loaded farm system, more blockbuster moves could be coming for the Bombers. Could they trade highly ranked prospect Clint Frazier and other veterans for a starter like Gerrit Cole or Chris Archer? Or will the hole at third base be filled by Mike Moustakas or Manny Machado? Whatever happens in the upcoming weeks, the only thing certain is this, the Evil Empire is officially back and the chase for 28 is on.