The Marlins Still Have J.T. Realmuto, But For How Long?

It’s almost 7 PM on the east coast and the Miami Marlins have yet to make a move to deal any of their players mention in trade talk. That includes catcher J.T. Realmuto.

While the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals had more than ample opportunity to consummate a deal this week during their four-game series in South Florida, executives for both organizations danced around the topic, talking about players who would and would be available.

That’s what happens when something of great value is wanted by a playoff contender. Miami is nowhere near ready to compete for a playoff berth, yet the franchise has enough solid puzzle pieces that the big boys at the table hoping to add to their collection of riches.

Realmuto is the one chess piece that could bring home a king’s ransom.

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"Per Sports Illustrated, “The Nationals have talked extensively with the Marlins about acquiring All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto. The price remains too high as of now, indicating that if the Nationals are going to trade players it will not be part of a largescale team overhaul.” (Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)"

The fact remains until 4 PM on Tuesday, the speculation surrounding the Marlins and what they will do to either secure their biggest star for the future or set him free to amass more prospects is unknown. Frankly, as a fan, it’s making me a bit edgy.

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com surmises that the longer it takes for both sides to come together and play “Let’s Make A Deal” the less likely it’s going to happen.

Am continuing to hear things are quiet on the J.T. Realmuto trade front. Sense is the #Marlins holding firm with extremely high asking price. Ideally, club would like to extend him. Also sensing #Nationals may stand pat, save lower-profile move or two by #MLBTradeDeadline
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 30, 2018

As odd as this sounds, the Marlins don’t need to make a move before tomorrow afternoon. They hold the “key” to several organizations’ wish lists. They also can sit at the table and have general managers make offers until they get one to their liking.

If they aren’t impressed, they need not do anything. Either this team, which become very popular in the past few weeks, makes other teams happy, or they build for the future with what they have. Realmuto is the face of this franchise. He knows it, as do other teams.

As for now, there are four or five players who have been in more rumor posts on social media than Justin Bieber or the Kardashians. They could flee elsewhere, or they could help this team turn things around in the next two years.

Either way, the Marlins will make a point to be part of the trade festivities. They can impact everything by not making a single move. That would make more of a statement than any trade they could complete.

It would also let the rest of the 29 teams in MLB they are sticking with the ones they brought to the dance. Hopefully, that decision will pay off for them not only this season but in years to come.

It’s almost 7 PM on the east coast and the Miami Marlins have yet to make a move to deal any of their players mention in trade talk. That includes catcher J.T. Realmuto.

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