Yankees and Marlins Discuss Alex Rodriguez Trade [REPORT]

The New York Yankees season isn’t even over, and there is already a report about the team looking to move Alex Rodriguez.

According to political commentator Keith Olbermann, the organization has had talks with the Miami Marlins about trading A-Rod. In Olbermann’s baseball blog, he claims that sources close to both teams have stated that the Yankees would pay close to all of the money left on the third baseman’s contract. Rodriguez is owed $114 million over the next five years.

In one suggested deal, New York would acquire Heath Bell. The reliever signed a three-year, $27 million contract before the season, with a $9 million vesting option for 2015. Bell had a disappointing first season with the Marlins, blowing eight saves to go along with a 5.09 ERA.

Rodriguez has struggled immensely in the playoffs. He has just three hits in 23 at-bats with 12 strikeouts, and has been benched in two games by manager Joe Girardi.

It’s not only the postseason where Rodriguez has struggled. His power numbers have decreased significantly since returning from the disabled list in September. Rodriguez has just one extra-base hit since Sept. 14.

Miami spent money on multiple, big-name free agents in the last offseason. Despite adding players like Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle, they finished with the worst record in the NL East.

It’s unlikely that the Yankees will be able to move Rodriguez, unless they agree to pay the bulk of his salary. If New York decides to deal Rodriguez, Miami might be the destination that makes the most sense. The future Hall of Famer grew up in Miami, and could be an attraction to a team that has struggled to draw fans.

If he can stay healthy over the next few years, the slugger could break numerous hitting records. Rodriguez is fifth all time with 647 career home runs and sixth with 1,950 RBI. Rodriguez is also 99 hits shy of the 3,000 mark.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says discussions of trading Rodriguez are not true.