Report: Marlins asked for Albies from Braves for Realmuto

The Atlanta Braves reportedly remain interested in Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto - even after signing Brian McCann on Monday - but their front office wasn't willing to deal one of its young stars for the backstop.

Signing McCann won't preclude the Braves from making a run at Realmuto, but only if the Marlins lower their asking price, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Miami asked Atlanta for second baseman Ozzie Albies plus others while discussing a possible trade involving Realmuto, sources told Rosenthal. The ask for Albies led the Braves to believe the Marlins weren't all that interested in trading the catcher within the division, Rosenthal adds.

The Braves aren't in desperate need of a catcher, as they're positioned to begin next season with a tandem of McCann and Tyler Flowers, but the 27-year-old Realmuto was an All-Star in 2018, hitting .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs.

Miami's in no rush to trade the prized backstop, and is believed to be seeking major-league ready prospects who can make an immediate impact or established young players.

Realmuto's generated interest from the Houston Astros, as well as the Braves.

His agent said at the end of October that Realmuto wouldn't be interested in an extension with the Marlins and "he will definitely be wearing a different uniform by the start of spring training."