Report: J.T. Realmuto requests trade from Marlins
It appears like the next few years in Miami are going to be rough at the major-league level, and catcher J.T. Realmuto wants to avoid the bumpy ride.
After the Marlins dealt Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, and Dee Gordon, Realmuto has requested a trade from Miami, reports Craig Mish of Sirius XM Radio.
The Marlins understand Realmuto's desire to be traded due to the rebuild, but have no intention of moving him, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
Realmuto is among a handful of veterans who could remain on the rebuilding Marlins next season, but it doesn't appear to be an ideal situation for the developing 26-year-old catcher.
The backstop has improved every season since coming to the big leagues in 2014, bumping his OPS up to .783 last season - third among MLB's qualified catchers, behind Buster Posey and Gary Sanchez.
Realmuto is eligible for arbitration for the first time in his career and won't hit free agency until 2021. He's projected to earn $4.2 million in arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Miami has also been discussing the future of outfielder Christian Yelich, according to a report.