What would a deal for Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto cost a team looking to make a trade offer this offseason? Which team will step forward?
Every baseball player has their price. The Miami Marlins have had their share of deals where they did not get the right value for stars they gave up. This time, the team from South Florida is in the driver’s seat as teams must come to them and make their best sales pitch.
The Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers have all expressed interest in J.T. Realmuto since he announced he does not want to sign a long-term deal with Miami. There are others, with as many as 12 teams being reported to be interesting in making a deal.
But, realistically, what would a deal for the Marlins star cost a team looking to acquire the one-time All-Star?
Joe Frisaro of MLB.com may have the answer, and it’s a simple one.
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"“You get the most impactful players you can, regardless of position. It could be a pitcher, infielder, catcher or outfielder. For a player the caliber of Realmuto, you are open to anything that produces the best overall package,” he explained. “If, let’s say, the Astros are willing to part with outfielder Kyle Tucker, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 5 overall prospect, you don’t pass that up.”"
The Marlins do have players they hope to rely on for the future of the organization in Lewis Brinson, Victor Mesa, and Monte Harrison, but they do not have a catcher ready to step into Realmuto’s role. That might be the one glaring weakness in the team’s minor league system.
Frisaro said all three players could make a huge impact on the Major League team in the future, but their timetables for success are not synced and there is no guarantee they can fulfill the promise the front office believes they possess.
"“Some [players] progress more quickly than others, and some don’t pan out at all. As you’re seeing more of in the sport, you can never have enough depth,” he wrote. “Let’s be clear, too: The Marlins are not necessarily targeting outfielders for Realmuto. It’s all about making the best deal. If the fit happens to be for an outfielder, it is something that should be pursued.”"
The one team that will not be in the running for Realmuto’s services is Washington. The Nationals have been thought of as the frontrunner for a trade deal since last Spring Training. The team announced they had signed Kurt Suzuki last week in free agency.