What Will The Miami Marlins Get For J.T. Realmuto?

By David Levin | Jul 27, 2018

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 17: J.T. Realmuto /

The first question the Miami Marlins must answer is whether they will sign J.T. Realmuto to a long-term deal. The second question they must answer is what kind of ransom will the organization ask for should they trade the All-Star catcher.

The Miami Marlins are taking phone calls about numerous players on their roster, but J.T. Realmuto would be the big fish in an otherwise small market. While relievers have been the talk of the past couple of weeks, the media has been focused on whether the team’s biggest star will wear another uniform next season.

If so, it may cost a team more than it should.

Before this all can happen, as Joe Frisaro of MLB.com explained, Miami must decide its future, with or without Realmuto as the centerpiece of the organization.

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"“If Realmuto isn’t dealt by the Marlins at the Deadline, and there seems to be little indication that that will happen, Miami is already discussing trying to extend his contract long term,” he wrote. “The All-Star catcher isn’t a free agent until 2021, so there is no urgency to trade him. But foremost, I believe, the Marlins must show Realmuto that there is a clear path to winning in Miami in the next couple of years.”"

That said, there is talk that team owner Derek Jeter may ask for a hefty return for Realmuto. It makes sense. Jeter traded away valuable pieces to a roster that could have competed for a playoff run this season, provided the pitching staff was improved.

Now, the team will sit and wait to see if the “right” offer comes around. There has been some talk that Washington may look to acquire his services. There was a possibility of this taking place before the start of Spring Training.

Marlins President of Baseball Operations, Chip Bowers, said there is interest in Realmuto. Making the right deal, however, may to time and the perfect offer.

"“There’s a lot of interest in J.T.,” Bowers said. “We have a strategy, and part of that strategy is winning the World Series. If he is a part of that, that would be fantastic. We obviously know that he is one of the best players in baseball. It’s going to take a lot to get J.T. out of this organization.”"

Right now, Realmuto is the unquestioned leader of this team and the one who has become the face of the franchise. Sending him away would mean more reorganization and potentially eliminating cohesion this young team has become to have.

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"“I don’t think we would make a deal unless we felt like it was going to [help] win a World Series, just as much it would if we kept J.T. Realmuto,” Bowers added. “He’s certainly a great guy. We’re excited about the fact that he represented us in the All-Star Game.”"

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