Mets Could Trade For JT Realmuto Soon, New York Also Exploring Free-Agent Catcher Options

JT Realmuto Marlins Mets — J.T. Realmuto #11 of the Miami Marlins singles in the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park on August 12, 2018 in Miami, Florida. Michael Reaves/Getty Images

No player has been at the center of more trade rumors than J.T. Realmuto. The Miami Marlins have made it clear that they are trying to deal the catcher, and it seems like half of the league has expressed interest in the All-Star at some point this offseason.

Realmuto wasn’t moved at the Winter Meetings because Miami’s asking price has been so high. The Marlins reportedly tried to get 2017 NL Rookie of the Year Cody Bellinger from the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they asked for All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies from the Atlanta Braves.

The New York Mets have rebuffed trade offers that have included Michael Conforto and Noah Syndergaard. New York, however, hasn’t given up their pursuit of the catcher, and they might ultimately be the team that comes to an agreement with Miami.

Ken Rosenthal said on MLB Network Thursday afternoon that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Realmuto go to the Mets within the next week.

Realmuto #Mets’ No. 1 catching target, sources say; GM Van Wagenen represented him while at CAA, and knows how much he offers. However, NYM remain unwilling to meet #Marlins’ price, which they consider exorbitant. Remember: MIA asked #Braves for Albies, #Dodgers for Bellinger.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2018

#Mets have discussed three-team trades with multiple teams trying to get Realmuto, at this point to no avail. Framework of one proposal, per sources: Realmuto-plus to #Mets, Syndergaard to #Padres, young players to #Marlins. Not close. Just one of many ideas kicked around.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2018

#Mets feel Realmuto is still a possibility for them. This is what I SENSE: Syndergaard off table. #Marlins want Conforto. NYM perhaps willing to mull Rosario/Nimmo/Peterson. Miami has multiple suitors so price will be big.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2018

The Mets have spoken to the Red Sox about their catching surplus (Christian Vazquez, Sandy Leon and Blake Swihart), though nothing is serious. They've discussed many fallback options to J.T. Realmuto, including Wilson Ramos and Martin Maldonado. This is another.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 13, 2018

After a disappointing 2018 season, the Mets are trying to contend in 2019. They already traded for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz from the Seattle Mariner, taking on a large contract to improve their roster. New York signed closer Jeurys Familia to a three-year deal Wednesday night to improve the bullpen.

Catcher might be the Mets’ biggest need. New York received little production from the position last year. Hitters that played behind the plate for the Mets in 2018 posted.208/.297/.355 splits with 17 home runs.

Realmuto might be the best catcher in baseball. He hit .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs in 125 games last year. The 27-year-old had a .771 OPS in 2016 and a .783 OPS in 2017. He’s under control for two more years before hitting free agency.

The Mets are considering catchers Wilson Ramos, Yasmani Grandal and Martin Maldonado in free agency. They’ve also reached out to the Boston Red Sox about potentially trading for one of their catchers.

Major league baseball