Report: Yankees among teams interested in Marlins' Realmuto
Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto is being pursued by a number of clubs, with the New York Yankees joining a group of suitors that already includes the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers, reports Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports.
Conversations between New York and the Marlins apparently involve Gary Sanchez, but the Yankees still hold him in high regard and resisted offering other top pieces in a package centered around their own catcher, Heyman adds.
Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill didn't seem eager to deal Realmuto when he discussed a potential trade at the beginning of November. However, the All-Star backstop told the team he's seeking an extension similar to the one Buster Posey signed with the Giants for nine years and $167 million in 2013, Heyman's sources said. That reportedly isn't close to what the Marlins are willing to offer.
At the end of October, Realmuto's agent said his client "will definitely be wearing a different uniform by the start of spring training."
The 27-year-old was worth more WAR than any other qualified catcher in baseball last season. He hit .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs.
He's eligible for free agency in 2021 and is projected to earn $6.1 million in his second year of arbitration eligibility.