Buzz about J.T. Realmuto makes the Marlins relevant this offseason

Now that there is a buzz regarding J.T. Realmuto wanting out of Miami, the Marlins are once again a relevant team this offseason.

There is an old saying that even bad news is good news. With the announcement that catcher J.T. Realmuto wants to part ways with the Miami Marlins, there is a buzz at the general manager meetings in California.

Last season, the news of new ownership and Derek Jeter returning to the game he loves filled more than enough headlines. The moves he made to break up the roster and front office all but vilified the former New York Yankees great.

Now, there is a “wait and see” approach to how this organization will handle potentially parting ways with their biggest attraction.

It’s a must-see event as everyone wants to know what will happen next.

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"“On Friday, Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill addressed on a conference call Realmuto’s status and the organization’s direction heading into the meetings, which will run Monday through Wednesday at Carlsbad, Calif,” Joe Frisaro of MLB.com wrote."

This could be the big story that has some wheels moving forward, the one that carries over into the new year and toward Spring Training. This is not as big as Giancarlo Stanton’s plea to be traded, but Realmuto is one of the young stars of this game that many are just finding out about. He figures to find a new home for the 2019 season, but don’t think the Marlins won’t exhaust every opportunity to reel their big fish in once again with a hefty contract.

Based on arbitration numbers, the 27-year-old stands to make $6.1 million in 2019. The caveat to all of this the Marlins still control the catcher’s contract the next two seasons before he becomes a free agent.

"“Agents can say whatever they want to say,” Hill said. “J.T. knows how we feel about him, and it doesn’t change the job that we have to do. My job is to build a sustainable, successful organization. Those comments don’t impact how I go about my job, and what my job is — to bring a championship to South Florida.”"

The Marlins figure to listen to offers during the Hot Stove season as they look for the best deal for their organization. Hill also figures to be one of the more popular people on the left coast as contenders find ways to entice the Marlins brass with bells and whistles.

The Marlins have said all along this past season the intention was to sign Realmuto to a new deal and hopefully make him a lifelong star. With 21 home runs and 74 RBI, this was the slugger’s best season at the plate and he is regarded as one of the best defensive backstops in the game. Essentially, if Miami gets a trade offer to its liking, a deal could be struck.

What the organization wants to do this is to get better through their minor league system and possibly adding a few puzzle pieces in free agency. Realmuto will not hamper what Hill and the front office are trying to accomplish before February.

"“It doesn’t impact in any way how we approach our offseason,” Hill said. “J.T. knows how we feel about him, and we know that it’s up to him if he accepts an extension or not. But the fact remains that we control him for the next two years. As we look to improve this team and this organization, that hasn’t changed.”"

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