Miami Marlins: J.T. Realmuto does not want to be part of future
By David Hill
Through his agent, J.T. Realmuto has made it clear that he does not want to be a part of the Miami Marlins franchise any longer than he has to be.
Last offseason, in the midst of the Miami Marlins fire sale, catcher J.T. Realmuto had seen enough. He requested a trade of his own, as he was looking to go to a franchise with a chance to win. Despite those requests, the Marlins were hoping to work out an extension with their All Star catcher, making him one of the building blocks as they look to return to respectability.
The past season, and seeing the rebuilding Marlins up close, has done nothing to change Realmuto’s mind about wanting to leave Miami. His agent, Jeff Berry, reiterated Realmuto’s desire for a trade, making it perfectly clear that he will not be signing an extension with the Marlins.
NEWS: Jeff Berry, agent with @CAA_Baseball, on @MLBNetworkRadio just now regarding client J.T. Realmuto: “I think he will definitely be wearing a different uniform by the start of spring training.” Berry made clear that Realmuto won’t sign an extension with #Marlins. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 30, 2018
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Should Realmuto be made available, he instantly becomes a game changer. He made his first All Star Game last season, producing a career best .277/.340/.484 batting line with 21 homers and 30 doubles. Over the past three seasons, he has improved his walk rate to being close to league average, while maintaining a low strikeout rate. Add in his strong defensive numbers, and Realmuto could change the complexion of a team.
Likewise, he would throw a wrench into free agency. While Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos are the top catchers available, Realmuto would be a more coveted player. And, with two years of control, he would be far more than a rental for whatever team acquires him.
At this point, Miami still holds all the cards. They do not have an impetus to trade him just yet, as he is still two years from free agency. However, this would be the perfect time to maximize his value, given that extra year of control. And, there are a good amount of contending teams looking for a catcher, particularly within their own division. The Marlins rebuild could get a nice jumpstart if they pull the trigger on a deal.
Next. Marlins take step back to move forward. dark
J.T. Realmuto has made it clear that he wants no part of the Miami Marlins. But will they listen to him, and listen to offers?