MLB Rumors: Marlins and Astros are talking about Realmuto trade

Miami is looking to keep the fire sale going, and catcher J.T. Realmuto could be next.

The Miami Marlins have done a full 180 this offseason and the new ownership has gone the rebuild route. Many fans were hoping that they would add to the talented bunch, but the team was almost $500 million in debt.

Derek Jeter and co. made the first big move of the offseason by trading Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees. After that, the club was further dismantled with the trades of Gordon, Ozuna, and Yelich. Now, catcher J.T. Realmuto may be next out the door according to Craig Mish.

The Marlins are keeping themselves busy. Kyle Tucker is one of the best outfield prospects in the game. If they could acquire him they may have one of the best outfields in the next couple of years. Having Lewis Brinson and Kyle Tucker as 2/3 of your outfield is pretty intriguing. On the other hand, the Astros should make this move to stay with the improved AL rivals.

Although the team did give up some pieces in the Gerrit Cole trade, adding another impact player would boost their chances for a repeat. It would be interesting if the Astros asked to put righty bullpen arm Kyle Barroclough in a deal. He is 27 and still has three years of club control. In 2017, the right-hander tossed a 3.00 ERA in 65 innings. The Astros would have to give up more prospects, but he is a cheap and controllable asset.

The Marlins might make another good trade. If they can get Tucker and more, that would go a long way in reviving their farm system. They have made more of an inclination of cutting payroll in trades rather than quality prospects.  But Miami turned the corner in the Yelich trade, as they acquired top prospects.

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With that, the Marlins hope to continue that trend and obtain more future talent. Miami will most likely still be in rebuild mode during Realmuto’s tenure, so a deal that would ship him for quality prospects is ideal. Tucker ranks as the No. 15 prospect and is the third-best outfield prospect behind Eloy Jiminez (6) and Ronald Acuna (1). So, the Marlins would add another high potential outfield prospect to their system.

Overall, this is a good trade for both sides. The Astros acquire a long-term catching solution without breaking the bank. Miami gets a potential All-Star and money off the payroll.