MLB Trade Rumors: Mets Change JT Realmuto Approach To Direct Swap

The New York Mets have reportedly changed their trade approach in their pursuit of Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.

It was reported by multiple reporters Monday that the Mets discussed a three-team trade, along with the New York Yankees, that would potentially see Realmuto go to the Mets while Noah Syndergaard would go to the Yankees. It was noted, however, that the Mets would not part with Syndergaard if it meant they would only get Realmuto in return. Add in the fact that the two New York rivals haven't completed a major trade since December 2004, and many deemed such a deal unlikely.

One of the reporters who initially confirmed those trade talks was Mike Puma of the New York Post, who reported Tuesday that Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen was a big admirer of the 27-year-old, and consequently would not easily give up on his pursuit.

That is why the Mets were now looking to do a direct swap with the Marlins, which could see Amed Rosario and Brandon Nimmo go the other way, as Puma explained why a three-team deal was unlikely.

"An official involved in the talks downplayed the idea of a three-way deal involving Syndergaard on multiple fronts: One was the difficulty of pulling together a three-way trade with players of this caliber and the other was heavy skepticism that Mets COO Jeff Wilpon would approve a deal sending Syndergaard to The Bronx, where the talented right-hander would be under club control for another three seasons and in strong position to haunt his former team and its fans," Puma wrote.

"Amed Rosario remained a focal point of any possible straight-up deal, but the Marlins also want another player — likely Brandon Nimmo. ... Earlier this week, Van Wagenen downplayed the possibility of including the shortstop Rosario in a deal, saying he wasn’t about to fill one hole in his lineup by creating another. But the Mets could look for a one-year stopgap at shortstop as they await the arrival of top prospect Andres Gimenez from the minor leagues. And trading Nimmo would almost make it essential the Mets sign A.J. Pollock to provide another bat in the outfield, with Yoenis Cespedes expected to miss at least half of next season recovering from surgery on both heels."

The Mets were not the only team interested in Realmuto, however. Jon Heyman recently reported there were no fewer than 14 teams interested in trading for the Oklahoma native. Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, though, reported Tuesday that there were three teams "in the mix" with the Mets being one of them, while the identities of the other two teams were unknown.

Wherever Realmuto eventually ends up, the Marlins would be hoping a trade gets wrapped up soon as ESPN's Buster Olney reported Tuesday.

"Marlins have begun to push to make a Realmuto trade, which is a major change in their past approach," he tweeted. "For a year, they set a very high price and challenged anyone to meet it, and waited. Now they seem to be looking to finish a deal."

Realmuto has two years left on his contract but became a certainty to be traded when his agent revealed in October he would not sign an extension when his deal expires. Arguably the best available catcher in the offseason, Realmuto finished the 2018 season with a 277/.340/.484 line, 21 home runs, a 126 wRC+. He was also named an All-Star for the first time in his career in 2018.