Marlins trade rumors: Red Sox have checked in on Jose Fernandez

While the Marlins have not expressed interest in moving Jose Fernandez, the Boston Red Sox remain interested in the club’s ace.

Boston has checked in on the availability of Fernandez, according to Michael Silverman of The Boston Herald.

According to multiple baseball sources, the Sox have not shied away from asking about a few of the most elite names in the game — Jose Fernandez of the Marlins, Gerrit Cole of the Pirates are two such prime talents — even if the teams have no plans of moving that player.

The Marlins haven’t discussed moving Fernandez, but the Red Sox have reportedly been connected to the 23-year old starter. If the Marlins even considered a Boston offer, Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts would likely have to be included in a deal.

However, the Red Sox don’t appear to be inclined to move either piece this summer, Silverman notes.

The responses over the winter tended to be along the lines of “Let’s start with the names of Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts,” a conversational non-starter if there ever was one.

Since the Marlins would be in the playoffs if the season ended Monday, it’s unlikely they’re shopping the top pitcher on their staff. As the non-waiver trade deadline approaches, though, contending clubs seeking starting depth will likely ask about Fernandez.

Fernandez has thrived through his first 13 starts, pitching to a 2.57 ERA and 2.01 FIP. Miami doesn’t want him to exceed 180 innings this season, so his next start will come against the Cubs this weekend.

In the coming off-seasons, the Marlins might have to decide between keeping Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton. Fernandez has rejected several Marlins extension proposals and is a Scott Boras client. As a result, he will likely to decide to test the free agent market.

Fernandez is one of baseball’s best young pitchers, and the Red Sox almost certainly won’t be the only club to express interest. At this point, though, it doesn’t seem the Marlins are considering any offer.