Miami Marlins Trade Rumors: High asking price for Lester, Price atop wish list

Back at five hundred heading into Wednesday afternoon's game with the Nationals, the Miami Marlins have made it clear they have no desire to sell.

As the trade deadline nears, the Marlins are looking for a starting pitcher and second baseman with just a day to spare.

The Marlins have been linked to Athletics lefty Tommy Milone, and a deal involving both he and Jim Johnson remains a possibility. Ian Kennedy was another name the Marlins were interested in, although San Diego is not positive a trade involving Kennedy is realistic.

Miami reportedly called Arizona on Wade Miley, but Ken Rosenthal noted the Diamondbacks are uninterested in moving him at the moment.

Prior to Tuesday night's 3-0 victory over Washington, the Marlins were one of seven teams linked to Boston starter Jon Lester, according to an ESPN report. Lester has posted a 2.52 ERA and 2.62 FIP in 143 innings pitched, but in addition to the fact that he is eligible to become a free agent after the season, Miami isn't likely to trade for him because of their desire to hold onto Christian Yelich, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro.

Boston, in the market for outfield help, would seek Christian Yelich in return for Lester, a two-time World Series champion. Miami has no interest in parting with a 22-year-old pure hitter with All-Star potential.

In fact, the Marlins are not willing to part with any core players on their big league roster.

It’s unclear if the Marlins are continuing to pursue Lester for a lesser package. But what is clear is the front office is scrambling to make a move or two by Thursday’s non-waiver Trade Deadline.

Miami has outfield depth, and may be willing to deal Jake Marisnick or even Marcell Ozuna if the deal was right, but the organization is optimistic with regard to Yelich's future and sees him as a key piece moving forward.

Should the Marlins look beyond Lester, Frisaro noted John Lackey could be an option. Lackey has pitched to an 11-7 record, a 3.60 ERA and a 3.56 FIP in just over 137 innings pitched. He has a club option for 2015, and would be a nice addition to Miami's rotation.

If they wanted to add Lackey, a pair of prospects would likely be the least the Red Sox would ask for.

Staying within the AL East, the Marlins also remain interested in the Rays' David Price.

If Tampa Bay were to make David Price available, the Marlins would have heavy interest.

A deal involving Price and Ben Zobrist would make sense for the Marlins, but Tampa Bay has yet to decide on Price's status moving forward.

Miami will likely be active before or at the deadline, looking to make deals that make "baseball sense."