The Marlins are talking with the Dodgers — and at least two other teams — about a blockbuster trade involving Miami ace Jose Fernandez, ESPN.com reported, citing unidentified sources.
Despite their consistent denial that they would trade a reportedly disgruntled Fernandez, the Marlins apparently would be willing to listen to offers for the right-hander — although teams that have spoken to the Marlins told ESPN that Miami's asking price is so high that it might mean he would remain with the team. A Yahoo! Sports report drops big names as possible pieces in a potential deal.
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How exorbitant is the price on Jose Fernandez? Sources say the Marlins have asked the Dodgers for Julio Urias and Corey Seager.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2015“I don’t know if they’ll wind up trading him,” an unidentified executive of one team that spoke with the Marlins told ESPN. “But if they do, I’m betting that’s where he goes — to the Dodgers.”
According to the report, the Marlins are asking for as many as five players for Fernandez, who returned to the Marlins' rotation in July from Tommy John surgery and was 6-1 with a 2.92 ERA in 11 starts.
The Dodgers are looking for a frontline starter since Zack Greinke signed with the Diamondbacks, and Fernandez, 23, is attractive not only because of his talent but also because, though he's arbitration-eligible, he would be under club control through the 2018 season. A complicating factor: Fernandez insists that his agent, Scott Boras, will be involved in discussions about any innings limit he might have in 2016.
Interestingly, there are indications, according to ESPN, that the D-backs are one of the other teams to inquire about Fernandez.
