Representing the Fish at the 2017 All-Star Game

All-Star voting has opened up for the 2017 season and the Miami Marlins have a couple deserving candidates. Out of those candidates, however, there is one that few in the league know about.

The Miami Marlins have been slumping, there is no argument with that. However, there have been a few players that have stood out above the rest and are very deserving of an All-Star spot. One in particular.

We know about Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna. We know about Christian Yelich and all of his accolades. But, why not some one who is a bit more low key, yet just as talented.

A player that does not receive the recognition he often deserves. An up and comer, who has quietly become one of the best in baseball at his position.

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Of course I’m talking about J.T. Realmuto. Realmuto was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2010 draft by the, then, Florida Marlins as a short stop. After making the conversion to catcher, Realmuto began to ascend through the ranks and cracked into the majors in 2014.

After a terrible season from Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Realmuto pushed his way into an every day spot with the Fish in 2015. That same season, Realmuto struggled to keep above a .250 batting average and finished off at .259.

However, 2016 brought around the Realmuto that we were hoping to see. Slashing a blistering .303/.343/.428 and bopping 11 long balls. Most impressive though is Realmuto’s athleticism. Finishing the season with 12 stolen bases, Realmuto led all catchers and put up similar numbers to Yadier Molina.

Offense isn’t all Realmuto brings to the plate, see what I did there? Realmuto was tied with the likes of Buster Posey for runners caught stealing with 28. With a fielding percentage of .991 on the season, Realmuto was also right up there with Molina.

The past is great, but what about the present?

So what has Realmuto done to earn himself a spot on the All-Star team this year? Not much. Oh, except throw out eight runners, tied for second best in the Majors.

Don’t forget the bat too. Realmuto has swung himself to a .310/.350/.425 line with two long balls and 13 RBI. Leading the league for catchers, Realmuto has also mashed two triples on the young season.

Not to mention, Realmuto’s versatility. Please name another catcher that has the speed and discipline to be able to bat in a lead-off position. Realmuto has been shifted all around the lineup for the Fish and has produced in every spot they put him in.

Next: Miami Marlins lineup features interesting wrinkle

Without a doubt, Realmuto should be on the All-Star ballot. Fish fans know it, now it’s time for the rest of the nation to see what the backstop can do.