MLB Trade Deadline: Marlins “Not Compeltely” Out on Jon Lester

Last night the word was that the Miami Marlins were out on Boston Red Sox ace Jon Lester. He was viewed as an unlikely trade piece for the Marlins because of his free agency status after the season and because the Sox wanted outfielder Christian Yelich in return.

Turns out, the Marlins are not completely out of the Lester sweepstakes, but seem to be a longshot, according to Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel:

The demand is such that the Red Sox seem poised to acquire at least one top-shelf prospect in return. Though the Marlins aren’t willing to deal a young gun like Andrew Heaney for two months of Lester or anyone else, an American League source in contact with the Red Sox said the Marlins are “not completely” out of the sweepstakes.

The Marlins are wise for not wanting to move top prospect Andrew Heaney for a rental such as Lester. However, if the Sox were to be willing to accept a package built around Justin Nicolino, the Marlins would not be foolish to try and complete something there. The same holds true for outfielders Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna.

As of now, the Marlins are still very much a longshot to make the playoffs. The Nationals and Braves both have better overall rosters and talent, as well as experience of playing late into the season. Many of the Marlins starters are headed towards career highs in innings pitched, already.

Lester would be a major boost for that, but would it be enough to get the Marlins to the playoffs? Not likely.