Report: Marlins will only trade Yelich, Realmuto for 'huge overpay'

After trading away Dee Gordon, Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna in an effort to clear salary, it's apparently going to take a package of elite prospects to pry either Christian Yelich or J.T. Realmuto from the Miami Marlins.

While the front office is listening to offers on the two young stars, the club is not forced to trade either. In order for any team to work out a deal, it will need to be a "huge overpay," a source told Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.

A large price tag is warranted for either player. Yelich, 26, ranked 10th in the majors in WAR among outfielders last season and is owed just $44.5 million over the next four seasons. Realmuto was the third-most valuable catcher per WAR in 2017, and is considered one of the top young players in the game at his position. Also 26 years old, Realmuto is projected to earn $4.2 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility this winter. The sparse free-agent catching market further enhances his value.

It was reported Thursday that the Marlins were engaged in active trade discussions with multiple teams regarding both players, and Frisaro noted that at least a dozen teams have been in contact with Miami.

After new ownership blew up the roster, it was reported that Realmuto had asked for a trade, while Yelich was unhappy with the organization and wanted to speak to the front office. After trimming considerable salary over the last month, the Marlins are no longer obligated to cut any more costs for the 2018 season, so they don't need to deal either player despite their potential unhappiness.