Marlins reportedly interested in dealing for Lester
MIAMI -- Whether the Marlins complete a deal or two by Thursday's non-waiver Trade Deadline remains to be seen.
What is evident is the front office is aiming high in its search to bring in a proven winner.
According to Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio, Miami is one of seven teams who have reached out to the Red Sox regarding Jon Lester, who was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday.
The Red Sox are believed to be asking for outfielder Christian Yelich, a proposal the Marlins would not consider.
If the front office is looking to send a signal to the clubhouse, the South Florida fan base and the rest of the National League, pulling off a deal for the two-time World Series champion would do the trick.
Lester, owed just over $4 million for the rest of the season, would be a rental, because he will be a free agent in the fall. Realistically, the Marlins wouldn't be in the mix to sign the left-hander long-term.
In the short-term, Lester would bring a top-of-the-rotation presence to a young staff.
The asking price in terms of prospects would be high. So the question would be how much Miami would be willing to give up for a shot at making a serious push in the final two months.
Bowden reported the Blue Jays, Brewers, Mariners, Cardinals, Dodgers and Orioles also have expressed interest in Lester.
The Marlins are suddenly rejuvenated after taking six of seven in Atlanta and Houston. On Monday night, the club pulled off its biggest comeback win of the year -- rallying to a 7-6 victory over the Nationals after trailing by six.
Ideally, the Marlins would like more than a rental. They'd prefer a starter with controllable years. None of those candidates, however, would have the immediate impact of Lester.
The Marlins are in a tricky spot because they are hovering around .500, and they entered Tuesday six games behind the Nationals and 5 1/2 games back of the Braves.
Along with a starting pitcher, the Marlins also are looking for a second baseman.
The rotation has been without Jose Fernandez since May, when the 2013 National League Rookie of the Year underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery.
The Marlins are open to moving prospects, but not left-hander Andrew Heaney, the No. 1 prospect in the organization, according to MLB.com.
Miami also is determined not to trade anyone off its active roster.