Marlins sign Stanton for record $325 million

Two-time All-Star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has agreed to an eye-popping contract extension worth $325 million over 13 years with the Miami Marlins, the most lucrative deal in U.S. professional sports.

“This is a landmark day,” Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria told MLB.com by phone on Monday. “I’m happy for the city. I’m happy for him. And I’m thrilled for baseball. We have a player who is committed to us, and we’ve committed to him for his career.”

The deal includes a no-trade clause and Stanton, who is 25 and led the National League with 37 home runs last season, can opt out after six years, Loria said.

The deal exceeds the previous MLB record of $292 million over 10 years between Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers in March.

He led the NL in slugging percentage (.555) for the 2014 season, finishing with a .288 batting average when his season ended prematurely after he was hit in the face by Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Mike Fiers.

Stanton earned his first NL Silver Slugger Award and became the first Marlins player to win the Hank Aaron Award, which recognizes the top offensive performer in each league and is voted on by fans and a panel of Hall of Fame players.