Miami Marlins Thinking Extension for J.T. Realmuto

Despite the fact the Miami Marlins are a team that may make more roster moves as the MLB Trade deadline approaches, there has been some discussion of a contract extension for catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Realmuto, the Miami Marlins best player, has been one of the best catchers in the National League since his return from the disabled list and has served as the catalyst of a lineup that has been revamped since last season.

Realmuto has been the subject of trade talks since Spring Training when he let it be known he was not happy with the direction of this organization. The Marlins, 36-53 on the season, have been hot and cold this season as one of the worst teams in the Majors but has been better all-around with Realmuto in the lineup.

"Per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, “The Marlins want to keep catcher J.T. Realmuto, who is under team control through 2020, and have internally discussed the possibility of making a long-term offer.“A team would need to make an astronomical offer for Miami to even consider a trade.”"

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It’s a move that makes sense, but could also have its own pitfalls. Realmuto is the Miami Marlins best player and most attractive trade piece right now. Players in the organization namely pitchers Drew Steckenrider, Adam Conley and Kyle Barraclough, have all been linked to trades in the past week.

Realmuto, 27, should remain with the organization past the trade deadline as he and veteran Starlin Castro have bought into the team’s philosophy of building for the future.

"As Joseph Zucker wrote on Bleacher Report, “The Marlins have plenty of time before they need to offer Realmuto a contract. He’s eligible for arbitration in 2019 and 2020 and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2021.”"

Keeping Realmuto on the roster to build around also means when his contract comes up for renewal, should he sign a long-term deal, he will be on the downside of his career. Should the Miami Marlins decide to trade him, the value they receive in return may not be as great.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals showed considerable interest in Realmuto in Spring Training, but it is not known if a deal was offered for his services. The two franchises could be in the mix to acquire him in the offseason if the team looks to play “Let’s Make A Deal.”

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Now figures to be the best time to field trade offers for Realmuto, who is enjoying his best season as a Marlins’ player, despite missing the first 16 games of the season with a back contusion.  He’s batting .306 and slugging .544 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI. His 3.2 WAR is first among catchers and tied for 12th among all position players, per FanGraphs, Zucker wrote.