The Miami Marlins have let it be known since the beginning of the offseason that they plan to trade All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, although to this point they are not believed to have come close to any deal.
At one point, Miami had as many as 15 potential suitors for Realmuto’s services, but that list seems to be getting slimmer by the day due to their desired return. The Atlanta Braves were one possibility, but they are reportedly no longer involved in discussions with the Marlins after failing to come to an agreement at the Winter Meetings.
Considered perhaps the favorite to get him by many, the New York Mets are also now out of the running as they have reportedly agreed to a contract with free agent Wilson Ramos.
It appears the Marlins are undeterred toward completing a trade and according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, they would like a resolution by Christmas:
With the Mets likely now out of the bidding, the J.T. Realmuto sweepstakes is entering a crucial stage. According to a source, this week promises to go a long way in determining if the Marlins trade or retain the All-Star catcher.
Either way, Miami would like some closure before Christmas.
The Los Angeles Dodgers remain among the handful of teams still in discussion with the Marlins:
The Mets reportedly agreed to terms with catcher Wilson Ramos on Sunday, but sources say the Rays, Dodgers and others are still having discussions for Realmuto. About six teams are believed to still have interest.
As recently as the Winter Meetings, it did not look as if Realmuto would end up in Los Angeles considering the Marlins continued to ask for Cody Bellinger as a part of the return.
The fewer suitors the Marlins have though, the more likely the price is to come down. So a package potentially headlining Alex Verdugo or one of the other top prospects on the Dodgers could eventually be enough to acquire Realmuto.
