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Toronto Blue Jays rumored to be taking aim at J.T. Realmuto

By David Hill

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 22: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Washington Nationals during the first game of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 22, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 22: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Washington Nationals during the first game of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 22, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Add another team to the list of suitors for J.T. Realmuto – the Toronto Blue Jays are now rumored to be in pursuit of the free agent catcher.

Fresh off their first taste of postseason action since 2016, the Toronto Blue Jays are hungry for more. They have stated that they will be looking to upgrade their roster in any possible way this offseason, which had presumably involved strengthening the pitching staff. Toronto had already brought Robbie Ray back on a one year deal, and promised that they were not done.

That quest has also extended behind the plate. According to reports, the Blue Jays are going after free agent catcher J.T. Realmuto and expect to be involved throughout the process.

Catcher is an area that the Blue Jays could potentially use an upgrade at. Neither Danny Jansen nor Reese McGuire lit the world afire at Toronto’s primary backstops. Alejandro Kirk had an impressive debut, but has all of 25 plate appearances above high-A ball. There is no guarantee that Kirk will be the player that Toronto hopes for.

More Blue Jays. Happ a fine secondary option. light

There are no such questions with Realmuto. Not only is he the top free agent available, but he is the best catcher in the game. The two time All Star has a career .278/.328/.455 batting line, hitting 95 homers and 156 doubles. His value goes beyond the bat, as he also won the 2019 NL Gold Glove and has been one of the better defensive catchers in the game.

As the Blue Jays are looking to upgrade their roster, it is understandable that Realmuto would be on their radar. He would provide a proven option behind the plate, and could even be a part of an upgrade at first base on those ‘off days’ where they want to keep his bat in the lineup.

The Blue Jays will have plenty of competition for Realmuto’s services. However, Toronto is not expected to cut corners with their payroll, unlike other teams in the game. This will lead to the Blue Jays being linked to virtually every top free agent. In this case, the rumors make sense, and could give Toronto an interesting prospect in Kirk to put on the trade block.

The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to pursue J.T. Realmuto. He would certainly be the type of upgrade they are looking for.

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