Report: Marlins' price tag on Realmuto 'somewhat' lowered

The Miami Marlins have placed a rather high price tag on All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto in trade talks this winter, but that may be changing.

Miami has lowered its demands "somewhat" as it continues to work toward a trade, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

The Marlins previously targeted the Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger as a potential return in a Realmuto trade, according to Sherman, and were also reported to have asked the Atlanta Braves for infielder Ozzie Albies. Those demands seemingly did not develop beyond that.

Marlins CEO Derek Jeter insists major-league players are sent back to Miami for Realmuto, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Whether the Dodgers or Braves are still the race for Realmuto remains unclear, but momentum does appear to be building toward some kind of transaction. A trade is expected to get done, perhaps as soon as this week, according to Spencer.

The most recent rumors coming out of the winter meetings have the Marlins discussing a potential blockbuster three-team trade that would send Realmuto to the New York Mets and Noah Syndergaard to the New York Yankees. The Yankees are reportedly open to moving third baseman Miguel Andujar, who would potentially fit Miami's bill as a young big-league player.

Realmuto has insisted, through his agent, that he won't sign an extension with the Marlins.