Volume of interest for Realmuto ‘unique’ as trade talks continue
LAS VEGAS – Michael Hill says he hasn’t been a situation like this at the Winter Meetings before.
The Marlins have dealt high-profile players before — Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Miguel Cabrera, to name a few — but the team’s president of baseball operations says no player has generated as much interest as J.T. Realmuto.
“He’s a special talent,” Hill said Wednesday evening.
“It’s a premium position and so there should be interest, so I’m not surprised. But in terms of the sheer volume we’ve had to work through — that has been unique.”
Operating in the team’s suite high atop the Las Vegas Delano, Miami continued entertaining trade discussions regarding the All-Star catcher on Day 3 of the MLB Winter Meetings.
The Reds and Mets have emerged as two of the more serious suitors, per multiple reports. Talks with Cincinnati have reportedly centered around 21-year-old outfielder Taylor Trammell, the 17th-ranked prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline.
After telling reporters Tuesday night that interest in the catcher remained “significant,” Hill said two more teams have entered the fray in the past 24 hours.
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.
Hill, who’s served in the Marlins front office since 2002, said the team is still “working through everything” in terms of trade discussions regarding Realmuto.
With only one day remaining before everyone packs up and flies out of Las Vegas, Hill offered no further clarity on whether a deal was forthcoming.
When asked if the team has any self-imposed deadline for trading Realmuto before the start of Spring Training, Hill continued the team’s firm stance regarding the catcher.
“We’ve been pretty public we do not have to move him,” Hill said. “You get into a situation like this where you have all your counterparts; ideas freeflowing, so it keeps the [media] running around chasing rumors.”
“We’re fully prepared to report to Jupiter with J.T. as our All-Star catcher.”
Bour to sign with Angels: While no movement was made on the Realmuto front, a former Marlin did find a new home on Wednesday.
Ex-Miami first baseman Justin Bour has agreed to a free agent deal with the Angels, per multiple reports. The signing is contingent on Bour passing a physical.
Bour spent five seasons with the Marlins before being traded to the Phillies in September.
During his time in Miami, he hit .262 with 83 home runs and 272 RBI. The 30-year-old left-handed slugger was non-tendered by Philadelphia two weeks ago.