Report: Braves showing interest in Marlins' Yelich, Realmuto
The Atlanta Braves are looking to be National League contenders sooner rather than later.
The team has been in touch with the Miami Marlins in hopes of acquiring outfielder Christian Yelich and catcher J.T. Realmuto, sources told MLB.com's Jon Morosi.
This is not the first time the Braves have shown interest in Yelich, but Realmuto provides a new wrinkle into the proceedings. The Braves have one of the top farm systems in baseball, which aligns them well with the Marlins' needs despite being division rivals.
General manager Alex Anthopolous started his tenure with the team with a bang, trading outfielder Matt Kemp to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, and Scott Kazmir in a deal designed to provide greater financial flexibility following 2018.
Neither Realmuto nor Yelich would break the bank, either. Yelich is under contract through 2021, and will earn only $43.25 million over the next four seasons with a $15-million option for 2022.
The 26-year-old Realmuto is entering his first year of arbitration, and won't be eligible for free agency until 2021. Even though the Braves currently have Tyler Flowers and Kurt Suzuki slotted in to share catching duties, neither is under contract beyond 2018, so any potential logjam at the position would be short-lived and one of their current options could still be moved.
The team has irons in multiple fires, too. The Braves are reportedly also looking to sign a free-agent starting pitcher.
No matter what happens, Anthopolous and Co. don't appear content on remaining idle.