Miami Marlins Trade Rumors: A standoff with MLB over J.T. Realmuto

The Miami Marlins and MLB teams interested in a trade for catcher J.T. Relamuto have appears to have come to an impasse this offseason.

Somehow, I knew this would happen. This is not an “I told you so” moment, but the growing sentiment amongst MLB teams and the national media is the Miami Marlins are asking way too much in their trade demands regarding catcher J.T. Realmuto.

It appears the front runners – Houston and the Los Angeles Dodgers – and teams on the fringe looking through the trade window are at an impasse with the organization. A deal could still get done, but it will take longer than expected.

As I said a few weeks ago, the longer it takes to solidify a deal, the better I like Miami’s chances of retaining Realmuto for the 2019 season or at least until the MLB Trade Deadline.

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"The asking price continues to be very high, and Miami is prepared to carry the All-Star catcher into Spring Training,” writes Joe Frisaro of MLB.com."

Marlins pitchers and catchers workouts begin on Feb. 13 at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex in Jupiter, and full-squad practices get underway on Feb. 18. Those of you keeping score at home, it is 41 days from now. A lot would have to happen for Realmuto to switch uniforms and the right deal would need to come along for all of this to happen.

The big question I think should be answered is “If not now, when?” Houston still seems to be in the mix, but will not part with the desired prospects the Marlins front office is seeking. The Dodgers want to play “Let’s Make A Deal” but also have Bryce Harper on their radar. The Braves may still be part of this game of musical chairs, but they also seem content with who they have on the roster.

San Diego, Tampa Bay and Milwaukee are still part of the rumor mill, with Cincinnati added for good measure.

"“Realmuto, who has two years remaining in arbitration before qualifying for free agency in 2021, has been one of the hottest topics during the Hot Stove season,” writes Frisaro. “Shortly after the World Series, the catcher’s agent, Jeff Berry of CAA, stated publicly that his client was not interested in signing an extension with the Marlins. That stance hasn’t seemed to change either.”"

The Realmuto drama – and yes it has become a soap opera of sorts – has effected the Marlins organization in their plans for this offseason. With other needs still to be filled it would seem the franchise and front office are also in neutral waiting for a deal to get done to add other pieces to the puzzle before Spring Training.

At least 14 teams have expressed some level of interest in Realmuto, and that list is believed to have been narrowed to about four or five. The Astros, Dodgers, Padres and Rays – potentially in that order.

The Reds have minor league prospects to offer, but the Marlins also want MLB players with controllable contracts.

It is something Michael Hill, president of baseball operations expressed at the Baseball Winter Meetings last month in Las Vegas.

Miami has not backed down from their list of wants with a trade like this.

"Per Frisaro, “For Realmuto, the Marlins are looking for left-handed-hitting options. Kyle Tucker of the Astros and Alex Verdugo of the Dodgers are potential targets.”"

Both players are ranked amongst the top 35 minor league prospects in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. The other teams involved would have to let go their top minor leaguers more than likely to make a deal like this happen.

Until a deal is done, the Marlins sit and wait. The organization doesn’t have to consummate a deal for Realmuto, but they should consider making ammove now to get the most value in trade fro their top player.