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Report: Marlins felt urgency to trade Yelich, believed he'd sour clubhouse

Eric Espada / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Miami Marlins' front office didn't want a player coming to spring training who didn't want to be there.

After Christian Yelich's agent confirmed his client's desire to be traded from the rebuilding club earlier in the month, the Marlins felt more urgency to deal him as they believed he could become a sour presence in the clubhouse, a source told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Yelich, who was eventually traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for four prospects last week, became upset with new ownership after it traded away Dee Gordon, Marcell Ozuna, and Giancarlo Stanton and didn't want to endure another lengthy rebuild.

"He loves the city of Miami," Yelich's agent Joe Longo said in mid-January. "He loves the fans. He's had nothing but a good experience in South Florida, and he feels sorry where they ended up. But I think having him report (to spring training) and attempting to include him moving forward is going to be uncomfortable for both sides."

Following the trade to Milwaukee, Yelich took to Instagram to say goodbye and thank the Marlins' fans.

We all grew up this organization and we went through the ups and downs in our careers as a group and as a team. I’ve made some life long friends in this organization and I am thankful to have gotten that opportunity. It wasn’t always easy and didn’t always say or do all the right things at times but we left it all out there for each other, the city, and the fans. To those fans....I know you’re upset and It’s hard knowing what we had here and what we fell short of accomplishing. it will get better. To my Teammates....it’s truly been a pleasure playing with all of you and I wish you the best, we’ll always be a family. The city and fans in Miami will always be special to me because no matter what this is where it all started for me and from the bottom of my heart I thank all of you!

Yelich wasn't the only player to request a trade during the recent teardown. J.T. Realmuto also informed the front office that he would like to be moved, though there is reportedly less urgency to deal the catcher as the team believes he'll still remain professional, adds Jackson. Over one-third of the league has expressed interest in Realmuto, but the Marlins will only make a move if they are blown away by an offer.

Miami's ownership has come under heavy scrutiny this offseason for shipping off almost all of its stars in an effort to clear significant payroll and rebuild.

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