Marlins trade rumors: Christian Yelich, J.T. Realmuto unlikely to be moved

Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto are unlikely to be moved as the Marlins attempt to upgrade their pitching staff this winter, according to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro.

Miami is in need of a pair of starting pitchers and is looking to add with few resources available. The market for starting pitching is comparably weak, and the club doesn’t have many prospects to consider moving.

While Marcell Ozuna will likely draw a notable amount of interest, the Marlins clearly view Yelich and Realmuto as an integral part of their core. Therefore, neither is expected to be made available.

Yelich, 24, had an effective 2016 season, batting .298/.376/.483 with 21 home runs and 98 RBIs over 155 games. He was a constant in Miami’s outfield and proved to be a versatile piece, playing both left and center field.

If the Marlins decide to trade Ozuna this winter, Yelich is a candidate to play center field.

While Yelich thrived in Miami’s outfield, Realmuto proved to be a constant behind the plate. Over 137 games, he batted .303/.343/.428 with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs. He also effectively managed a Marlins starting pitching staff that changed consistently as a result of injuries.

The Marlins are unlikely to move any of their core players, but it seems Yelich and Realmuto are off limits.