If you didn't think the Miami Marlins were serious about yet another firesale on Monday, when they dealt Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante to Detroit, then surely Tuesday's deal sending Hanley Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers was convincing. The Marlins are willing to listen on any player -- including Josh Johnson.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Texas Rangers are very interested in Johnson. So interested, that they'd be willing to move Mike Olt.
The Marlins also have starter Josh Johnson on the trade block, and the Texas Rangers are one of the teams actively pursuing him, a Marlins executive told USA TODAY Sports, with the Rangers informing the Marlins they would be willing to part with third-base prospect Mike Olt.
With Cole Hamels signing a mammoth extension to remain in Philadelphia, the trade market focus has now shifted to Johnson, Zack Greinke, Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster. Only Johnson and Garza are signed beyond 2012, and both will hit free agency following the 2013 season. Greinke and Dempster will hit free agency after the 2012 season.
The Rangers will likely face plenty of stiff competition for Johnson, but if Olt is indeed on the table, you'd have to believe that Texas is one of the front runners to acquire the Miami ace.