Miami Marlins still consider J.T. Realmuto part of future
Despite the constant trade rumors swirling about Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto, the team considers him a vital part of the future.
It is understandable why J.T. Realmuto would be frustrated with the direction of the Miami Marlins. Over the course of this offseason, the entire outfield has been jettisoned, including reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton. Dee Gordon was sent off to Seattle, Christian Yelich to Milwaukee, and Marcell Ozuna went to St. Louis. The promising core of the Marlins was completely disbanded, with the present looking dim at best.
With that in mind, and after seeing new second baseman Starlin Castro demand to be traded out of Miami, it is understandable why Realmuto would want a trade of his own. After all, players want to win, and the Marlins do not seem likely to do so in the near future. The present, and immediate future, appear quite bleak in Miami.
And yet, the Marlins are refusing to deal their disgruntled catcher. Although they understand the desire to move on, Miami still considers Realmuto a key part of their core, and are not looking to trade him. As he is under team control via arbitration through 2020, and he is making just $2.9 million this year, the Marlins certainly do not have a pressing need to send him elsewhere.
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Very quietly, Realmuto has become one of the better hitting catchers in the game. Last year, he produced a .278/.332/.451 batting line, hitting a career best 17 homers and 31 doubles. He is even one of the rare catchers with speed, stealing eight bases in ten attempts. Realmuto also made strides defensively, saving five runs behind the plate and throwing out 32% of would be basestealers.
The other problem involves getting a good return for Realmuto. For the most part, teams are set at the catcher position. While a team like the Nationals or Brewers could use an upgrade behind the plate, they may not be willing to part with enough to entice the Marlins.
Meanwhile, it is important for Miami to determine which players will be part of their core. Realmuto, at just 27 years old heading into the 2018 season, would be a solid building block, and an interesting candidate for an extension. The problem with that is convincing him that the Marlins are trying to contend, and that the future is not as bad as it may seem.
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The Miami Marlins are not looking to move catcher J.T. Realmuto, considering him a part of their core. At least, that is their stance for now.