Report: Astros have engaged Marlins in talks for Realmuto
The World Series champion Houston Astros upgraded their rotation by acquiring Gerrit Cole earlier this winter. Now, they might be looking to add a significant piece behind the plate.
A source told SiriusXM's Craig Mish that the Astros have engaged the Miami Marlins in discussions about catcher J.T. Realmuto, who previously asked the Marlins for a trade.
Miami has asked the Astros for top outfield prospect Kyle Tucker - ranked as the 17th-best prospect in all of baseball by MLB Pipeline - in return for Realmuto, and the Astros are reportedly considering it, according to Mish.
Houston already has a starting catcher in veteran Brian McCann, who will be paid $17 million this season and would earn $15 million in 2019 if his club option is exercised. The 33-year-old McCann had a solid season last year, hitting .241/.323/.436 with 18 home runs, but only appeared in 97 games while sharing duties behind the plate with Evan Gattis and Juan Centeno.
Adding Realmuto - who has another two years of arbitration eligibility remaining before reaching free agency - could allow McCann to stay fresh in 2018 by spending more time at DH and splitting catching duties. The 26-year-old Realmuto could take over full time in 2019.
Realmuto, who hit .278/.332/.451 with 17 homers, 65 RBIs, and eight stolen bases for the Marlins last season, is slated to earn $2.9 million in 2018. Though his preference to be dealt is known, he told reporters at the Marlins' Fan Fest on Saturday that he hasn't spoken with CEO Derek Jeter about his future with the team.
Related: Marlins' Realmuto says he hasn't spoken with Jeter about possible trade
At least 12 teams have reportedly contacted the Marlins about Realmuto since his trade request became public. The Washington Nationals were said to be "heavily engaged" in talks for the catcher, but those discussions apparently stalled when Washington refused to part with top prospect Victor Robles.