Houston Astros should wait until mid-season to acquire J.T. Realmuto

The Houston Astros look even better than they did a year ago on paper. But the roster could look even more flawless if they acquired J.T. Realmuto from Miami. But they shouldn’t give in at this point to get the deal done.

Houston Astros fans begged general manager Jeff Luhnow to bring J.T. Realmuto to the Lone Star State to put the cherry on top of the star-studded roster. While the front office is in talks with Miami, the asking price is much too high – prime prospect Kyle Tucker.

Yet that doesn’t mean their paths won’t cross again at some point this season.

Miami essentially had its entire team on the trading block before this month. After a few transactions that included big-namers like Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon and Christian Yelich, few impactful players from last season are left.

Derek Jeter and his front office still have moves to make though.

As the season progresses, more players might depart Miami for contending clubs. Among them is Realmuto, who enjoyed back-to-back solid seasons behind the dish in 2016 and 2017.

The Astros should wait until later this season to inquire about the backstop once again. By then, some prospects might fizzle out, while other, older minor-leaguers could boost their potential.

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Houston could sell some guys high, similar to what they did with Colin Moran in the Pittsburgh trade. Furthermore, the Astros have enough talent in the minors to cater to the Marlins’ needs.

Manager A.J. Hinch and company don’t need a more reliable catcher immediately. Brian McCann is still serviceable, and he can produce near the bottom of the order. He cracked 18 homers and brought in 62 RBIs last season.

However, with Evan Gattis moving into a full-time designated hitter position, the catching portion of the depth chart looks more concerning – especially in the future. McCann has a team option after this year, but neither of his possible backups – Max Stassi, Garrett Stubbs and Tim Federowicz – look like suitable replacements.

Realmuto is an up-and-coming versatile catcher. He demonstrated why he deserves all the buzz he received last season. The 26-year-old posted a .278/.332/.451 triple-slash line with 17 dingers and eight stolen bases.

The catcher’s contract is team-friendly, as he’s making less than $4 million a year, and he’s not due to become a free agent until 2021. That gives Houston an opportunity to resolve any issues that could arise behind the plate during that time span.

Of course, if the Houston Astros wait too long, Realmuto could be long gone. Several analysts expect Miami to deal him before Opening Day. Unless the Marlins get a hefty return, such as a top prospect, deals will likely falter.

That gives Houston a chance to wait a few months to watch the situation play out. And it could be a beneficial move by mid-season.

Next: Houston should deal McHugh while it has the chance

Though Realmuto may not be a part of the Houston club throughout the beginning of the season, Luhnow might find a way to reel him in at some point. And even if he doesn’t, the team can still prevail with the current catching contingent.