Marlins Trade Rumors: Reds upping offer for J.T. Realmuto

The Cincinnati Reds are in deep discussion with the Miami Marlins that would send catcher J.T. Realmuto to the NL Central in return for players and prospects.

The more we hear about rumors centered around Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto, the more we hear about more players being involved in trade offers. The Cincinnati Reds are reported to be in deeper discussion for Realmuto, and may be willing to part with Tucker Barnhart and infield prospect Jonathan India, multiple sources have reported.

MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro and other insiders insist the Reds are still one of five teams the Marlins front office has had conversations with. There is no deal eminent, but the growing sentiment is a trade could be worked out before the organization’s pitchers and catchers report to the franchise’s Spring Training facility in Jupiter, Florida on Feb. 13.

Now, it might be a case of every team trying to outdo each other with a trade offer, which should come in fast and furious if rumors are indeed correct.

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"“With Spring Training 13 days away for the Marlins, the organization is in advanced conversations with these clubs,” Frisaro added. “Miami is expected to receive two to four players in return for Realmuto, who is expected to be dealt before camp opens.”"

The presumption is a catcher will also be included in the trade discussion as the team does not have a player on the roster right now other than Chad Wallach to replace Realmuto, who is one of the best all-around backstops in the game today.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Reds, San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays are said to all have contacted the Marlins front office and have had substantial trade discussions.

At one point it was believed at least a dozen teams made calls to Miami to see what it would take to pry Realmuto away from South Florida.

The team as remained firm in their demands to seek MLB players and prospects in this deal.

"“Cincinnati has made a strong push of late for Realmuto, who by most advanced metrics was the top catcher in the sport in 2018,” Frisaro wrote.“The Marlins have had interest in several of the Reds’ top prospects, including infielder Nick Senzel, outfielder Taylor Trammell and India. According to MLB Pipeline, Senzel is the No. 6 overall prospect, Trammell No. 16, and India, No. 53.”"

The Padres and Dodgers have also had talks with Miami that also include catching prospects and can offer other high-profile minor leaguers in the deal.