The New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks have attempted to gather information on Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, according to sources.
While it remains a long shot for any team to complete a trade for Fernandez, the behind-the-scenes digging on the right-hander suggests the conversations about him are far from dead, according to sources.
Those teams all were trying to gather more information Monday, asking about Fernandez's health, makeup and work ethic to people inside the sport who know him.
One source confirmed that the Marlins asked the Dodgers for a package led by highly regarded rookie shortstop Corey Seager, outfielder Scott Van Slyke and Los Angeles' top pitching prospect, Julio Urias.
An executive of another club said the Marlins were looking for up to five players in return for the 23-year-old right-hander.
For their part, the Marlins have consistently denied reports that they would consider trading Fernandez, who is 22-9 in 47 major league starts with a 2.40 ERA and 336 strikeouts.
"He's not available," Marlins president Michael Hill told the Miami Herald. "We haven't made him available. But it doesn't stop the phone calls from coming."
Fernandez returned in July from Tommy John surgery and missed time in August with a biceps strain.