MIAMI -- The agent for Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich reportedly said Tuesday that his client hopes to be traded before Spring Training starts.
Joe Longo told ESPN.com that the relationship between the team and the player has been "irretrievably broken," and noted it would be uncomfortable for both sides if his client isn't moved in the upcoming weeks.
The Marlins have been listening to offers for Yelich, and the possibility remains he could be dealt before Miami's pitchers and catchers begin workouts on Feb. 14. Miami has made it clear to clubs that it seeks a package of top-level prospects for Yelich.
"They have a plan," Longo said in the story. "I respect that plan, but that plan shouldn't include Christian at this point in his career. He's in the middle of the best years of his career, and having him be part of a 100-loss season is not really where [we] want to see him going."
The Marlins didn't comment specifically on the report, but a team spokesperson noted there was nothing more to add to a previous comment from the team.
After the Marlins traded Dee Gordon, Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna in December, the Marlins stated: "We used the last couple of weeks continuing to lay the foundation for building a first-class, winning organization. Should we feel like we need to make a trade involving any of our under contract, controllable players, we will be the ones to initiate that conversation and always do what is best for the organization."
Longo didn't respond to a message from MLB.com for further comment.

Yelich is highly coveted because he is one of the top young outfielders in the game, and he is under club control for the next five seasons. The left-handed-hitting outfielder will make $7 million in 2018, and he's under contract through 2021 for $43.25 million. The contract, signed under previous ownership, also includes a club option for $15 million in 2022, and a $1.25 million buyout.
"The relationship between player and team is irretrievably broken," Longo said. "It's soured. He's part of the old ownership regime. The new ownership regime needs to get new parts into this plan and move forward, and he needs to get on with his career where he's got a chance to win. The big issue is him winning and winning now."
Yelich had a slash line of .282/.369/.439 in 2017 with 18 home runs and 81 RBIs, and he scored 100 runs for the first time in his career.
"He loves the city of Miami," Longo said. "He loves the fans. He's had nothing but a good experience in South Florida, and he feels sorry where they ended up. But I think having him report [to Spring Training] and attempting to include him moving forward is going to be uncomfortable for both sides. I don't see how it's going to work."