The Miami Marlins are looking to bring back top prospects in any trade involving J.T. Realmuto. Understandably, they are reportedly demanding Francisco Mejia from the San Diego Padres.
According to reports, the trade talks surrounding Miami Marlins All Star catcher J.T. Realmuto are heating up. The Dodgers have emerged as one of the top suitors, with top catching prospect Keibart Ruiz as the Marlins main target. Given the seemingly disappointing returns that the Marlins got for their top players last offseason, they need to maximize their return for Realmuto, landing top prospects and players that are close to contributing at the major league level.
According to reports, they may be able to get just that as part of a package from the San Diego Padres. As part of the return from San Diego, the Marlins are asking for top catching prospect Francisco Mejia.
Source: In J.T. Realmuto trade talks, #Marlins asking that catcher Francisco Mejía be included in #Padres offer. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 26, 2019
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This would not be the first time that Mejia has been traded. He was sent to San Diego on July 19 in exchange for Adam Cimber and Brad Hand. However, Mejia did not exactly set the majors afire with his production last year, producing a .179/.258/.375 batting line over 62 plate appearances. He did show some pop, hitting three homers, but also struck out 19 times while posting a .206 batting average on balls in play. Add in the questions about Mejia’s ability to stick behind the plate, and some of the luster has fallen off of his prospect status.
This would make it the perfect time for the Marlins to strike. While the Padres are insisting on a window to discuss a contract extension with Realmuto prior to agreeing to any trade, such a move would make Mejia expendable for San Diego.
Obviously, Mejia would not be the only piece going back to the Marlins. Miami could use help in the outfield, and a pitcher that is close to major league ready. As the Padres have a glut of outfielders, it would not be unreasonable for a player like Hunter Renfroe to be sent to the Marlins. Likewise, San Diego has a plethora of young arms in the system, making such a deal possible.
The Miami Marlins trade talks are picking up, as they have specific targets in mind in exchange for J.T. Realmuto. If the San Diego Padres are interested, it may take a package involving Francisco Mejia to land the All Star catcher.