Yahoo Sports J.T. Realmuto won't sign extension with Marlins and should be traded, according to his agent
The Major League Baseball offseason has barely started, and a Miami Marlins player already wants off the team. Catcher J.T. Realmuto has told the club he will not sign an extension in Miami, and his agent, Jeff Berry, believes Realmuto would be better off with another team by spring training.
Berry revealed that information during a segment with MLB Network Radio.
J.T. Realmuto's agent, Jeff Berry, says his client has told the #Marlins, "he's not going to sign an extension in Miami." Berry also expects Realmuto to be traded before Spring Training. #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/1WiRU1biNw
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) October 30, 2018
Berry said:
“I think he will definitely be wearing a different uniform by the start of spring training … He’s informed the Marlins ownership. He’s informed their front office. He’s not going to sign an extension in Miami.”
The 27-year-old Realmuto hit .277/.340/.484, with 21 home runs and over 531 plate appearances in 2018. He’s eligible for arbitration through the 2020 season. Realmuto made $2.9 million in 2018. That figure should rise after he made the All-Star team for the first time.
His contract situation and his effectiveness at a bleak position make Realmuto an extremely valuable asset on the trade market. Catchers hit just .232/.304/.372 in 2018. Realmuto would be a massive upgrade for a number of teams.
After watching Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna get traded away last winter, Realmuto made it clear he wanted out as well. The Marlins did not honor that request, though that could change this offseason.
Realmuto is the only player left on the major-league roster who could bring back multiple above-average prospects. The Marlins’ rebuild is still in its infancy, making it unlikely the team will be ready to compete before Realmuto leaves via free agency.
Should the Marlins make Realmuto available, interest should be high. With Buster Posey and Gary Sanchez experiencing down years, there’s an argument to be made that Realmuto is the best catcher in baseball.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
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