In addition to the sport awaiting decisions from Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in free agency, the Miami Marlins may at last be reaching a resolution on a potential trade of J.T. Realmuto as the start of Spring Training nears.
Realmuto has been on the trading block for much of the offseason, and since he informed the Marlins he was not interested in being part of yet another rebuild for the franchise. Miami initially was hesitant to part with their All-Star backstop before pursuing deals.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been among the teams linked to Realmuto, both prior to and since their trade for Russell Martin. Though, it was recently suggested their odds of completing a trade were fading and the San Diego Padres were emerging as more of a threat.
A trade may now be on the horizon, however, as the Dodgers are still involved in trade talks that have progressed, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com:
A source told MLB.com on Thursday that trade talks for the Marlins’ All-Star catcher are in “advanced stages,” with four clubs still in the mix: the Padres, Reds, Dodgers and Braves.
The Dodgers and Padres may be the best-suited to trade for Realmuto because of deep farm systems, but the Cincinnati Reds’ aggression this winter can’t be understated. The Dodgers reportedly discussed Keibert Ruiz in a potential trade but remain against including Cody Bellinger.
Realmuto avoided arbitration with the Marlins by agreeing to a $5.9 million salary for this season. He is eligible to become a free agent after the 2020 season. Miami has expressed a willingness to open camp with Realmuto still on the roster.
