According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Marlins have been engaged in active trade discussions with multiple teams involving star outfielder Christian Yelich and catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Derek Jeter and the Marlins' new brass has been adamant, at least when talking to the media, that they had no plans to unload Yelich or Realmuto in their firesale this winter, as the two budding stars were viewed as building blocks who each still had several years of team control remaining.
With this report though, it appears that was merely posturing on the Marlins behalf. After already trading away Giancarlo Stanton (Yankees), Marcell Ozuna (Cardinals) and Dee Gordon (Mariners), it looks like Yelich and Realmuto could also be wearing new uniforms to begin the 2018 campaign.
Morosi is quick to note that the asking price remains high on both players, as it should be. Yelich, 26, is a career .290/.369/.492 hitter through his first 2812 plate appearances and a stellar defender in center field. He's also under team control through the 2021 season.
Realmuto, also 26, is already regarded as one of the best receiving catchers in the league. He's also one of the top offensive performers at his position, coming off a strong 2017 season where he hit .278/.332/.451 with 17 homers, 65 RBI and eight stolen bases.
While it would be a major boon to each of their respective fantasy values getting out of South Beach, it would be small but loyal fan base remaining in Miami.
At this rate, the top attraction in the Marlins' lineup next season might just be Justin Bour. It's hard envisioning them finishing anywhere other than the cellar in the National League East in 2018.