Realmuto Rumors
February 4, 2019
The Marlins are reportedly moving closer to trading All-Star Catcher J.T. Realmuto.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that a trade for Realmuto is getting closer. The four teams he mentioned being in the mix are the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. The Reds seem to be the front runners, as it was reported earlier this week that the Reds were close to a deal to acquire Realmuto, but the deal seems to have fallen through.
“Realmuto would instantly make any of those teams listed way better. I hope he gets traded soon,” junior Blake Haffer said.
The Marlins initiated a full rebuild last season, trading outfielders Giancarlo Stanton Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna and second baseman turned outfielder Dee Gordon. They are now trying to move what many say could be their most valuable asset, Realmuto. Stanton, Gordon, and Ozuna went on to miss the All-Star Game, but Yelich was named to the National League All-Star squad and was eventually named the National League’s Most Valuable Player. All while the Marlins went 63-98.
“The rebuild has not gone well for the Marlins. The prospects they have gotten back are not that special,” junior Ethan Seymore said.
Realmuto slashed .277/.340/.484 last season in 125 total games played. The 27-year old catcher is under team control until 2021, when he can test free-agency.
“Realmuto will [hopefully] get a big pay day when he is able to go into free-agency,” junior Blake Ebner said.