Under new ownership led by Derek Jeter, the Miami Marlins have decided to embark on a complete rebuild over the last year. It began with trades of the likes of All-Star players Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna and Dee Gordon.
Now, the Marlins are continuing with that rebuild this winter as their best player, catcher J.T. Realmuto, is currently being shopped on the trade market. Many teams have shown interest in the 27-year-old who is under contract for two more seasons.
Unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros are among the clubs who have been linked to Realmuto.
The Marlins price to acquire him is reportedly high, and some more light has been shed on what they are looking for as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported they are seeking elite prospects or young talent capable of immediately playing:
Marlins All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto to the Astros for outfielder Kyle Tucker and right-hander Josh James – which team says no? I do not know if the teams have discussed those names. I do know from sources that Tucker and James are the types of guys the Marlins want for Realmuto – major-league ready prospects who can make an immediate impact, or established 0-to-3-year players.
This may bode well for the Dodgers as they have several young players with Major League experience that could be expendable in the right trade. The most prominent of which being Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, Andrew Toles and Alex Verdugo, among others.
It was recently reported the Dodgers’ package for the All-Star catcher would need to include former National League Rookie of the Year Cody Bellinger and either Puig or Verdugo. It is unlikely the Dodgers would be willing to trade Bellinger.
With the Dodgers having two top catching prospects in Keibert Ruiz and Will Smith that are likely a year away from being Major League ready, it may not make sense for them to give up the farm for Realmuto. Of course, the Marlins’ asking price will very much hinge on interest across the league.
