Marlins Jeter Hopes To Keep Realmuto For The Foreseeable Future

Miami Marlins owner Derek Jeter has made it known he and the organization would like to keep catcher J.T. Realmuto in the fold for many years to come.

The Miami Marlins and J.T. Realmuto will sit down this offseason at some point and discuss his future with the franchise, hopefully coming to some agreement about how to keep the 27-year-old in teal and black after his current contract expires.

With all the talk about the Marlins trying to deal Realmuto to the Washington Nationals before the MLB Trade Deadline, there were offsetting conversations about the team workout out something for the future. There is the possibility of Realmuto remaining in Miami as a career player, according to team owner Derek Jeter.

"“He’s one of the best all-around catchers in baseball,” Jeter said via MLB.com. “Of course, I don’t ever like to talk about specific players, in terms of their futures, but he’s a guy we’d love to have long-term.”"

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The Marlins once again figure to be a popular team this offseason, with a few puzzle pieces that could be dangled as trade bait for future prospects. Jeter will continue to follow the script of bringing in players who can impact the future. The Nationals could re-enter trade talks for the third time.

Washington backed off trying to acquire Realmuto when Jeter and the Marlins front office raised the stakes for their star player. For a team rumored to be part of several deals at the trade deadline, Miami was fairly quiet only making two deals.

"MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro points out, “Realmuto will be up for his first year of arbitration this winter. If he is not signed to an extension, the 27-year-old will not be eligible for free agency until the 2021 season.”"

The Marlins don’t have a solid replacement for Realmuto on the current 40-man roster and the minor league prospects aren’t ready to assume the role behind the dish. Realmuto’s leadership in the dugout and in the clubhouse.

"“J.T., the way he’s been able to improve, year in and year out, especially this year, he’s really taken some strides offensively, and even more so defensively,” I think a lot of times we forget about his defense. He’s someone who consistently continues to improve.”"

The game plan remains intact for Miami, being patient with their draft picks and prospects. It’s a formula Jeter hopes pays off in the next couple of seasons.

If Realmuto does sign a long-term contract, he would continue as the face of the organization as younger players move up through the minor league system.