No movement yet on Realmuto
LAS VEGAS – While the second day of the MLB winter meetings saw a flurry of trade rumors, J.T. Realmuto is still a Marlin — for now.
As executives from all 30 teams met in Las Vegas, the All-Star catcher continues to be a hot name on the trade market.
According to numerous reports, talks of a potential three-way mega-deal with the Yankees and Mets has been discussed. There’s also been rumors of potential trades that would send Realmuto to the Mets, Phillies and Padres.
On Monday night, Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said the 27 year old was generating “significant interest” from opposing teams.
Although Realmuto has two years left on his contract, the catcher has previously signaled he doesn’t plan on signing an extension with Miami.
Realmuto is coming off his best season, hitting .277/.340/.484 with 30 doubles, a career-high 21 home runs and 74 RBI in 125 games as he established himself as arguably the best catcher in baseball.
While nothing happened on the Realmuto front, the Marlins did make some roster moves on Tuesday. Miami outrighted infielder Yadiel Rivera and reliever Brett Graves to Triple-A New Orleans, opening up two spots on its 40-man roster.
Rivera, 26, played in 111 games this past season, but struggled at the plate, slashing .173/.269/.216 in 139 at bats. A backup utility man, the Puerto Rico native played every single position this year except pitcher or catcher.
A right-handed reliever, Graves appeared in 21 games, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 33 1⁄3 innings. The 25 year old went 1-1 with one save after making his MLB debut on June 17. Graves finished with 21 strikeouts to 12 walks this past season.
With the roster sitting at 38, the Marlins can now participate in Thursday’s Rule 5 draft. Teams that don’t have a full 40-man roster can make a selection.
Any player left off his team’s 40-man roster who was signed at 18 or younger with at least five years professional experience or 19 and older with four years is eligible to be chosen.
Two of the most prominent Rule 5 selections the Marlins have made were second baseman Dan Uggla (2005) and first baseman Justin Bour (2003). Last season, the Marlins snagged Elieser Hernandez from Houston and Graves from Oakland.
With the extra roster space, Miami can also sign a free agent without having to designate any further players for assignment.