The Nationals continue their pursuit of Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto

By David Levin | Nov 11, 2018

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 30: J.T. Realmuto #11 of the Miami Marlins runs after hitting a 2-RBI double in the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park on June 30, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The Washington Nationals are rumored to still be interested in making a deal with the Miami Marlins that involves catcher J.T. Realmuto.

It’s one of those rumors that sticks around, but so far has not come to fruition. The Washington Nationals are still in pursuit of Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Please, tell us something we don’t already know. As the news of Realmuto’s desire to leave South Florida continues to fester while the All-Star catcher is in Japan with an MLB All-Star team, teams are lining up to put their best offer on the table.

The Nationals have had deals in place to try and pry Realmuto from the Marlins organization, only to be turned away at the door. With an offseason ahead to generate a trade offer that would sound appealing to the Marlins front office, could something finally materialize from a lot of talk, and little action?

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Per Chelsea Janes, who covers the Nationals for the Washington Post, the team is seeking a “frontline catcher” as she explained on her Twitter account. The obvious choice here would be Realmuto, who the team tried to acquire prior to the 2018 season and once again at the MLB Trade Deadline.

Again, this would be one of those deals I detest because it means the Marlins are helping a division winner get a leg up in the race for the National League East title.

"According to reports from MLB Trade Rumors, “Past reports have indicated that the Marlins asked for Juan Soto and/or Victor Robles in negotiations.”"

The Nationals front office has balked at that kind of request.

It would appear every team in the Nationa League East not named the Marlins or the Philadelphia Phillies are in need of a catcher. The New York Mets have also expressed a need to upgrade the position, but are not entertaining a deal for Realmuto. It is believed Miami is not impressed with New York’s prospects who would be offered.

The Atlanta Braves have made it no secret that adding Realmuto to their growing roster and developing pitching staff would give them a real chance at making the World Series next season. Realmuto provided solid leadership to the Marlins rotation last season and was a steadying presence at the dish in the team’s lineup.

It is believed that as many as 10 teams have already made inquiries about Realmuto as the MLB general managers meetings took place in California this past week.

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