Atlanta Braves Saturday Chop: News catch-up time

So You Want a Catcher?

You might think that after the recent near-ultimatum fired across the bow of the Marlins’ ship by J.T. Realmuto‘s agent, the Marlins would be simply trying to find the best deal on the table to allow their All-Star catcher to exit the scene, stage North.

You would be wrong.

MLB Trade Rumors picks up the story from Buster Olney’s keyboard:

"ESPN’s Buster Olney writes that the Marlins’ asking price on Realmuto is viewed by other clubs as “staggering.” Though Realmuto has less control remaining than he did last offseason, he’s coming off a better year and the asking price on him has actually risen from last winter, per Olney."

The only overt messages were getting involve the Astros, and it seems that one of their top 2 propsects – either Kyle Tucker or Forrest Whitley – are being demanded for Realmuto.

Jon Morosi also chimes in:

Here’s my read on the situation:  the Braves may have indeed already made a strong offer on Realmuto at this point.  I believe this for the following reasons:

• Atlanta’s top needs this off-season are (1A) Corner outfielder; and (1B) upgraded catcher.
• For ‘upgraded catcher’, there are 3 choices… Realmuto, Yasmani Grandall, Wilson Ramos
• If Realmuto isn’t available (or isn’t gettable) then they must get one of the free agents (with Kurt Suzuki or Robinson Chirinos as fallback options).
• There are multiple suitors (Astros, Dodgers, others) and few really good choices.  Somebody will be left standing after the music stops.
• It is therefore in the Braves’ highest interest to drive this market and force its hand.  However, the divisional considerations put the wheel in the Astros’ hand

So the price the the Astros are balking on?  That may very well be set because Atlanta has put in a bid which is at least that high.  But the Marlins are clearly hoping that Houston will jump in so that they can avoid seeing Realmuto beat them up for 60 AB or so each season (for at least the next 2).

If you see Houston suddenly sign Grandall or Ramos, then the market shifts – likely toward the Braves’ favor.  Houston is probably the team that can paint its own destiny:  if they say ‘no’ on Realmuto, then Atlanta has its shot.