Report: Padres making 'late charge' for Realmuto; Reds, Dodgers involved

The San Diego Padres continue to be mentioned among the clubs pursuing this offseason's biggest free agents and trade candidates.

San Diego's front office is reportedly making a "late charge" for Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto, although the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds are both still "very in," according to Craig Mish of Sirius XM.

Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports also reports that Cincinnati is making a push. Reds prospects Hunter Greene, Nick Senzel, and Taylor Trammell are believed to be of interest to the Marlins, according to Heyman, and veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart could apparently be included in a potential deal.

Another name the Marlins and Reds are reportedly discussing is Jonathan India, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Cincinnati selected the infielder fifth overall in the 2018 draft.

A report Friday indicated the Padres have been in contact with the Marlins about Realmuto and remain linked with both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.

The Marlins are seeking a top catching prospect - among other pieces - for Realmuto and asked the Padres to include Francisco Mejia in a potential deal, a source told MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Realmuto's been one of the most talked-about trade candidates this offseason. His agent, Jeff Berry, said in October he expected his client to be traded before spring training.

The 27-year-old backstop was worth more WAR than any other catcher last year (according to FanGraphs) and led his team in home runs (21), RBIs (74), and OPS (.868).

Realmuto is under club control until 2021 and is set to earn $5.9 million next campaign.

At various points this offseason, the Padres have been connected to Realmuto, Harper, Machado, Mike Moustakas, Marwin Gonzalez, Corey Kluber, Marcus Stroman, and Sonny Gray.

San Diego finished last in the National League West in 2018 with a record of 66-96.