Houston Astros should target J.T. Realmuto while they can

Summer hasn’t officially started, but some teams are already gearing up for the trade deadline. The Astros already possess one of the best lineups in baseball. But they can make it even more threatening by acquiring J.T. Realmuto before any other team gives the Marlins a call.

Trade rumors surrounded the Houston Astros throughout the majority of the offseason. General manager Jeff Luhnow improved his World Series squad despite making few eye-catching acquisitions.

But fans expected the mastermind to hone in on one player – J.T. Realmuto – that just enjoyed a breakout season for a squad fire-selling its entire starting lineup. The move would drastically improve the team’s backstop situation, arguably its weakest position.

Luhnow didn’t bite.

Houston’s catching tandem hasn’t disappointed. Astros catchers are batting .282 with a respectable .832 OPS, proving they are hitting for power. Just four other teams boast better numbers at the position, which is promising.

One reason for the early success is Max Stassi’s ascension as a hitter. The 27-year-old had just 89 plate appearances heading into 2018, posting a .253 average in that span.

Considering his inexperience, Stassi has impressed this year with a .290 average and three home runs. He’s also provided “old dog” Brian McCann with rest, which might be his best contribution.

But as baseball fans realize at this point, manager A.J. Hinch and Luhnow aren’t complacent. With summer approaching, the front office has another opportunity to reel in Realmuto.

The Marlins catcher endured an injury early in the season, but he’s been dominant since. He ranks second in the league in batting average and OPS – and fourth in WAR – among catchers with more than 75 plate appearances.

Despite Houston’s success behind the plate, Realmuto’s addition would place it further ahead of its competition. At this point, it seems that less than a handful of teams can compete with the Astros.

The acquisition wouldn’t automatically grant Houston entry into the World Series. It wouldn’t hurt to have Realmuto on the roster.

What are the possible packages?

Luhnow might have trouble matching the expectations he set when he dealt for Gerrit Cole earlier this year.

It’s still too early to ponder which team won the trade. But surely writers across the country will push out their opinions, proclaiming it was the greatest example of “highway robbery” since the Shelby Miller/Dansby Swanson trade in 2015.

So be ready for an endless amount of articles regurgitating Luhnow’s genius and the Pirates’ impetuousness.

It may be difficult for the Astros to strike lightning twice, especially when the Marlins have the upper hand. They can ultimately choose which prospects are worth their interest.

However, top prospects are likely out of the picture, such as Forrest Whitley, Kyle Tucker, and even J.B. Bukauskas. Houston has other lower-tier prodigies for sale.

The organization is equal regarding talented pitchers and pitchers in the minors. It also possesses several Triple-A players with MLB experience.

Miami won’t be eager to accept a similar package as the one offered for Cole. But there are a few players the Astros would relinquish for the catcher.

David Paulino maintained his top-prospect status even after serving an 80-game suspension starting last season. And despite his high-level heat and sharp repertoire, Luhnow could cut ties with him. At this point, he seems more like a late-inning reliever – due to inconsistency – than a valuable starting pitcher.

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If the Marlins desire more arms, Frances Martes and Reymin Guduan offer veteran experience. Nevertheless, they posted miserable numbers throughout the past few seasons. Jandel Gustave is another option, though will be out until at least August.

The Astros have a surplus of corner infielders worthy of attention. Thus it may be possible to send one to Miami. Other than more seasoned guys like A.J. Reed and Tyler White, other mid-tier prospects, including Abraham Toro-Hernandez, could be dealt. And if the Marlins require a replacement behind the plate, Garrett Stubbs is a surefire option in an exchange.

Should the trade talks heat up, Houston has an opportunity to acquire Realmuto without giving up two higher prospects. Luhnow can pair up Paulino with a veteran infielder like Reed or White, or he can throw out a younger position player like Toro-Hernandez and add in a low-tier arm or two.

Next: Collin McHugh has earned recognition

Inevitably, Realmuto won’t require as big a load as Cole did. The time is right to make a push for the backstop. And the Astros have the tools to make it happen.

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