MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox reportedly would want Yelich in Lester deal

According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Boston Red Sox were believed to covet Marlins’ star outfielder Christian Yelich if they were to even think about entertaining a trade offer from Miami.

Yeah, that’s not going to happen.

In his article Frisaro adds that the Marlins “would not consider” dealing their young outfielder.

And I’m just fine with that. As much fun as this team has been to watch this year (for the most part) it would just be dumb to lose one of the main centerpieces of the franchise moving forward for two months of Jon Lester.

The rotation definitely needs help, but not at that cost. Behind All-Star Henderson Alvarez, Nathan Eovaldi and a surprising Tom Koehler, the back-end of the rotation has been shaky. The Marlins have been linked to Tommy Milone of the Oakland A’s, who would be a much more affordable — and realistic — option to upgrade their pitching staff.

They certainly have the prospects to pull of a deal to improve the team down the stretch in 2014.

The big question is whether or not making a postseason push makes sense for the Marlins in the long term.

Following Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over the Washington Nationals, the Marlins are 53-53 and back to .500 for the first time since June 25.

Winners of nine of their last ten games, Miami has surged back into the playoff conversation and now faces the conundrum of deciding if they are buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

The Marlins are five games behind the NL East-leading Nationals and Atlanta Braves and four games out of a Wild Card spot.

Frisaro suggests that top prospect Andrew Heaney is off the table in addition to Yelich and the other pieces currently on the big league roster. It’s looking like the Marlins will at the very least make the rest of the season interesting, so don’t be surprised if a trade or two is made before Thursday’s 4 PM non-waiver trade deadline. The Marlins could probably part with Jake Marisnick — who was sent back down to Triple-A again after tonight’s win — or perhaps a young arm like Justin Nicolino or Adam Conley.

The Marlins are not getting Jon Lester, but look for them to legitimately be in on another impact starter that will take them deep into games.

Sorry, Brad Penny, that doesn’t mean you.