The Marlins have said publicly that 23-year-old ace Jose Fernandez is not available via trade, but there have been plenty of indications that they are at least listening to offers. When you hear how excited Fernandez sounds to still be in Miami, it will make you wonder if he has been trying to force the team’s hand.
Over the weekend, Fernandez was asked if he believes the Marlins can be competitive in 2016 given that they have not made any big splashes yet this offseason.
“I can’t comment on that,” he said, via Walter Villa of The Miami Herald.
Alright then. Fernandez was then asked about the trade rumors involving him, and he said he is not bothered by things he can’t control. But does he want to remain with the Marlins?
“I’ve got no comment on that,” he said. “I’m not allowed to comment on it.”
Of course he is allowed to comment on it. In fact, the Marlins have Fernandez under team control through 2019, so they would undoubtedly prefer that he comment on it with some sort of boring answer like “I’m very happy with where I’m at” or “this place has become home for me.”
Are we surprised? Hardly. When you read some of the stories about what supposedly went on in the Marlins clubhouse last season, you won’t be either.
Fernandez clearly wants out, but the Marlins can’t possibly justify trading a 23-year-old stud who has several team-friendly years remaining unless they get a massive haul in return. Perhaps Fernandez feels he can lower the asking price by giving alarming answers to boring questions.
H/T Hardball Talk
