It has been a few weeks since we heard Sirius XM’s Craig Mish specifically talk about the Marlins All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto being traded to the Atlanta Braves. Until today! Now we have new Braves rumors involving Realmuto.
Throughout the offseason, Craig Mish, who is a national sports radio host for Sirius XM, has expressed the Braves rabid interest in Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto, often the only one pushing Braves rumors on the catcher.
Mish has often laid out an entertainment-only percentage chances of teams landing Realmuto and the Braves have always been on top, with Mish’s opinion being a 35 percent Realmuto is the Braves opening day catcher.
Earlier this afternoon, Mish came out on Twitter with some new information on the dialogue between the Braves and Marlins.
Sources indicate Braves and Marlins have talked again about Realmuto. Braves appear to be waiting Marlins out. Rays remain a possibility.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 8, 2019
At What Price?
It has been reported recently that the Marlins want a big-league player like Ozzie Albies as the headlining player in a deal, as well as high-end prospects, too.
Mish shot that down on a recent podcast saying if Atlanta were to offer Austin Riley, Ian Anderson, and another piece, then Miami would assuredly say yes.
That is arguably the Braves top two prospects, which therein lies the waiting-it-out philosophy that came out today.
Realmuto was a 4-win player last season for a putrid Miami club. He hit 21 home runs, drove in 74 runs, while slashing .277/.340/.484.
But a package of Riley and Anderson would be significantly more than what Miami received for Christian Yelich, who is likely under team control 4 more years – two more seasons than Realmuto.
What about a package of Riley, a second tier pitcher (Kolby Allard, Bryse Wilson, etc.), and a wildcard? That seems like a reasonable offer.
Life of Riley
It seems apparent that Austin Riley will be the headliner in this trade if it indeed does happen. He has been the name we have heard most prevalent since the trade deadline last July.
He would be a nice piece for the Marlins to build around and give the organization their second top 100 prospect, along with recently signed Victor Victor Mesa.
Am I the only who feels like it is inevitable Realmuto is a Brave?
I don’t think that is wishful thinking, even though it would be great to have him. There has been so much reported flirtation and Mish has been steadfast in his reporting about the Braves being the main player.
While there have been other teams like the Dodgers, Astros and Rays who have shown varying interests in Realmuto, the Braves have consistently been the team mentioned.
The next month before pitchers and catchers report is going to be very interesting for Braves rumors.