Marlins Trade Rumors: What happens once Miami makes a deal?

What happens to the Miami Marlins once a deal for J.T. Realmuto is complete? What will this organization do next to prepare for the 2019 season?

I’m not as concerned about a deal involving the Miami Marlins and catcher J.T. Realmuto getting done as I am what happens to the organization in the aftermath and the adrenaline goes away.

So much has been made this offseason and time consumed attempting to get a deal done, the Marlins front office has fallen behind its attempts to help other areas of the roster. If this is being held hostage by one signature move, then the front office must quickly address other needs and have this franchise set to move forward without their top player.

Yes, there is still a chance nothing gets done before the start of Spring Training, but its a better chance the organization will want to move forward, collecting MLB level talent and prospects in the process.

Here are three things that must happen for the Marlins once they can work out a trade deal for Realmuto.

Finding a first baseman – Now, the Marlins may be in the market for a veteran first baseman. While Peter O’Brien would appear to be the team’s first choice, I see a scenario where they still look for a veteran for competition.

There are still a few names out there that could emerge as low risk, high reward options.

Logan Morrison is still out there. The player who was originally drafted by Miami could make his return to the organization. It would also give the Marlins some power in the middle of the lineup.

Another option is Eric Thames of Milwaukee. There could be a deal worked where Thames comes to the Marlins and either second basemen Starlin Castro is dealt or starting pitcher Dan Straily finds a new home.

Is relief help on the way? – Michael Hill, the president of baseball operations for the team, made it clear at the Baseball Winter Meetings the team wanted to find a veteran reliever and possibly a closer to compete in camp.

Drew Steckenrider and Adam Conley are the two favorites to win the job.

Trade talks for Realmuto have stunted the team’s ability to make that happen. And now with two weeks left until camp opens, the Marlins still need a quality, and reliable arm out of the pen.