Marlins measuring Nats' interest in Realmuto

MIAMI -- The lines of communication remain open as the Marlins continue to measure trade interest from the Nationals for All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto.
According to sources, the asking price remains extremely high. The Marlins covet both of Washington's top two prospects -- outfielder Victor Robles and shortstop Carter Kieboom -- in whatever package is presented.
The general feeling is it is doubtful the Nationals will part with their top two prospects, but the two sides haven't closed the door on the idea, either.

The non-waiver Trade Deadline is at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, and the Marlins remain in open talks with many clubs regarding a wide range of players.
Internally, the Marlins also are pondering if they would deal arguably the best catcher in the Major Leagues. Realmuto is under club control through 2020. Even if the Nationals agree to part with Robles and Kieboom, Miami still may decide to retain Realmuto and aim to build around him.
The Marlins don't have an obvious replacement for Realmuto, and the organization has a number of young pitchers. The Marlins see plenty of value in having an elite catcher to help the development of them.

Realmuto is in his first season of arbitration and will not be eligible for free agency until 2021.
If he remains with the organization, the Marlins are considering trying to extend Realmuto to a long-term contract in the offseason. If an agreement, however, isn't reached, Miami may decide to shop Realmuto. Along with the Nationals, the Astros and Yankees are organizations considered to have the high-end prospects to complete a package.
The Marlins have maintained they will listen on all of their players, and they're getting steady interest on their relievers.
Brad Ziegler, a free agent after the season, has helped his stock. The Cubs and Indians are showing the most interest, and the Red Sox are also a possibility.

Closer Kyle Barraclough and left-hander Adam Conley are being scouted heavily. Rookie Drew Steckenrider is considered less likely to be dealt.
The Cubs, Indians, Red Sox and Dodgers have been among the teams showing the most interest in all of Miami's relievers.
The A's scouted Dan Straily's start on Thursday against the Nationals.
Worth noting
• Reliever Tayron Guerrero (left lumbar strain) is scheduled to throw an inning for Triple-A New Orleans on Monday, which could wrap up his rehab assignment. Barring any setbacks, Guerrero is expected to join the Marlins during their road trip, which starts on Monday in Atlanta. Of course, if a reliever is traded, Guerrero is a candidate to be reinstated as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday.
"We want him to make one more outing," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "If that goes good, then we'll make some type of decision."
• Sandy Alcantara threw 4 2/3 innings and 68 pitches in a rehab assignment with Class A Advanced Jupiter on Saturday. The right-hander is on the disabled list with a right axillary infection.
"It's really more about him getting built up and getting his pitches in," Mattingly said. "Just getting him back into a rhythm."