Top 5 trade targets for the Boston Red Sox

3.  J.T. Realmuto

It can be regarded as a bonus, but the Red Sox aren’t getting much offensively from their catchers. Christian Vazquez (.213/.249/.300 slash-line this year) is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after surgery to fix a broken right pinkie finger, which leaves Sandy Leon as a primary option behind the plate with Blake Swihart also in the mix.

Swihart may now get a greater chance, and for what it’s worth he has five hits in his last nine at-bats. But Boston has shopped him in the past, and he could be a piece to part with in a trade deadline deal.

Realmuto is the Marlins’ lone All-Star this year, with a .317 batting average and a .919 OPS over 66 games. Back, hand and wrist issues have taken him out of the lineup at times thus far, but he’s healthy now and a recent stint on the paternity leave list may give him an extra breather heading into what won’t be a full All-Star break for him.

The Marlins are rumored to have a high asking price for Realmuto, and the Washington Nationals have lingered with potential interest as they look to address a need for better production behind the plate.

The Red Sox are rumored to be interested in Wilson Ramos. But an entrance into the mix for Realmuto shouldn’t be ruled out, even if Miami is trying to drive a hard bargain and the cost to get him will be higher.