Washington Nationals are the most reasonable fit for J.T. Realmuto
By Tim Boyle
According to multiple offseason trade rumors, the Miami Marlins are shopping catcher J.T. Realmuto. The best fit for the young catcher would make him a member of the Washington Nationals.
Ex-Miami Marlins Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon, and Marcell Ozuna have all been traded this offseason. More will surely follow as Derek Jeter and company continue to dismantle the franchise.
One of the more intriguing trade pieces the Marlins have is catcher J.T. Realmuto. The most reasonable fit for the prized backstop is none other than the Marlins’ division rival, the Washington Nationals.
An honorable mention to the Atlanta Braves, the Nationals are a greater match for Realmuto because of their readiness to compete right away. The Braves are a starting staff away from really making any serious noise, giving the Nationals an edge in this debate.
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Why the Washington Nationals need J.T. Realmuto
When discussing need, look no further than the current catcher stock the Nationals employ. Matt Wieters was dreadful last year both at the plate and behind it. Though he’s impossible to move via trade this winter, the Nationals would benefit from using him as a backup instead of crossing their fingers for a better 2018.
The Nationals have decent backup options with Pedro Severino and Raudy Read as two reasonable internal options. They could always travel into free agency and lock up someone like Alex Avila. This hardly solves the need for a long-term starting catcher. By adding Realmuto, the Nationals would upgrade for the 2018 season and a few thereafter.
Catcher was the weakest position for the Nationals last season. In an otherwise outstanding lineup, Wieters and backup Jose Lobaton killed rallies and failed to start their own. Meanwhile, Realmuto batted .278/.332/.451 for the Marlins while also knocking a career-high 17 home runs. A positive season on defense also helped Realmuto gather together a year worth 3.6 WAR.
The Washington Nationals have the pieces
The biggest roadblock in any trade is whether or not the team buying has the assets to acquire the MLB-talent. Thankfully, the Nationals have plenty to get a deal done.
Washington doesn’t have the greatest farm system, but can certainly offer the Marlins something special in return for one of the game’s most exciting catchers.
With each passing day, outfield prospect Juan Soto looks like trade bait. Carter Kieboom isn’t far behind in that regard. I would imagine one of those two could help get a traded started and allow the Nationals to acquire Realmuto. It really comes down to how badly the Nationals want to win in 2018.
This winter is the perfect time for the Washington Nationals to take risks. Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy, and Gio Gonzalez are all free agents after the upcoming season. The roster has very few holes and the league isn’t elite.
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When it’s all over, Realmuto could turn into the missing part the 2017 squad lacked. The Nationals need to first get real, then go out and get Realmuto.