Giolito-for-Miller rumor triggers conflicting reports

Baseball's hot stove reached boiling levels of speculation Friday when it was reported by MLB Network's Jon Morosi the Washington Nationals would possibly deal top prospect Lucas Giolito to the New York Yankees in a straight-up trade for lefty Andrew Miller.

Morosi's report said that sources who have spoken to the Nationals believe they would pull the trigger on such a deal, though several other newsbreakers quickly took to their keyboards to pour cold water on one of the summer's hottest rumors so far.

Miller's name has been subject to increased trade speculation after the Yankees shipped Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs in a four-player deal. An All-Star for the first time this season, Miller's under contract for $9 million this year with $18 million due through 2018. On Thursday, it was reported the Yankees were taking offers on the 31-year-old reliever, though any proposed deal would need to be approved by ownership.

Giolito, meanwhile, also has emerged as a popular trade target in an increasingly lucrative sellers market. In their efforts to potentially deal Wade Davis, the Royals are reported to have asked the Nationals about the 22-year-old right-hander, who entered the season as a consensus top-three prospect in baseball.