Are the Dodgers still trying to acquire Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto?

Even with the news last week that the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired catcher Russell Martin from Toronto, a trade for Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto is not off the table.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to take another step in the playoffs next season. Their recent trade moves prove the front office is eager to win a World Series title instead of just being there. And although the team made a deal to acquire Russell Martin last week from Toronto, a deal for Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto is not dead in the water just yet.

All of the recent movement by teams to acquire a top-line catcher has put the Marlins somewhat behind the eight ball in terms of getting a deal done, but the franchise just signed Realmuto to a one-year deal for $5.9 million to avoid salary arbitration. The move almost guarantees the 27-year-old will come to camp with the team for Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida.

"“With the Miami Marlins shopping J.T. Realmuto for the last few months, the Dodgers have been at the forefront of the trade rumors involving the 27-year-old catcher,” writes Anthony Riccobono of the International Business Times. “While Martin does give L.A. another option behind the plate, it probably won’t affect their chances of completing a deal with Miami.”"

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The Dodgers have also been the subject of free agent news, being linked to outfielder Bryce Harper and possibly being part of a pack of teams looking to nab pitcher Corey Kluber.

All the while, it would appear the Marlins front office is fine standing still.

Making a deal with Los Angeles hasn’t come to fruition possibly because of the team’s demands of Cody Bellinger as part of the deal. The outfielder/first baseman is a player the Dodgers front office does not wish to part with. Bellinger would give the Marlins a power source at first base, a position the team is still trying to find an everyday player.

The Dodgers desire to add Realmuto may have something to do with the possibility that Martin is not the same player who was behind the dish for them from 2006-2010.

"“The veteran hit just .194/.338/.325 with 10 home runs in 90 games with the Blue Jays in 2018. Martin has totaled a .208 batting average and 60 RBI in 181 games over the last two seasons,” Riccobono explains."

If the Dodgers are still in play with the Marlins, they would join the Reds, Padres, Braves, and Rays still believed to be the teams still negotiating with Miami.