Report: Chances Red Sox trade Lester, Miller 'less than 50-50'

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Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline is fast approaching, but as of late Monday night, the chances of the Boston Red Sox trading left-handed pitchers Jon Lester and Andrew Miller are reportedly "less than 50-50," writes ESPN's Gordon Edes:

Edes cites a "major league source" in his article, who believes that offers on the table for both pitchers will improve by Thursday. 

Edes has more on Lester:

The Red Sox are now actively engaged in determining what kind of return they could get in a Lester deal. They have had discussions with the Los Angeles Dodgers, they have been in contact with the St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Mariners, and there was a report that they fielded an inquiry from the Baltimore Orioles, though it’s highly unlikely they’d move Lester within the division. 

The Dodgers and Red Sox have been linked in Lester-for-Matt Kemp rumors, and Edes has more on those reported negotiations, which haven't gotten very far:

Talks with the Dodgers, according to sources, have not advanced to the point of swapping names. The Dodgers, who are coming off a sweep of the Giants, are telling at least some inquisitors they plan to keep Kemp, though one source insisted Monday his name remains in play. 

The Dodgers so far have indicated they would not part with top prospects Joc Pederson and Corey Seager, but their resistance to doing so, measured against not having gone to the World Series since 1988, might lessen by Thursday’s deadline. One source indicated the Dodgers could be in on Miller as well. 

Lester at this point expects to be traded, and it wouldn't be a surprise based on his reported contract demands. He's finishing out a contract that has him earning $13 million this season, and the 30-year-old, who'll turn 31 on Jan. 7, will hit the open market this winter.

Miller, 29, is making slightly over $1.9 million this year, and is also headed for unrestricted free agency. Both pitchers haven't ruled out re-signing with the Red Sox if they're traded, considering the Red Sox have let it be known that they're interested in re-signing both of them, but nothing's guaranteed at this time of year, and it's in the best interest of the last-place Red Sox to get something in return for what are expiring contracts.