J.T. Realmuto

[Eye Black]

Catcher J.T. Realmuto has requested a trade from the Marlins (Link). Three years of team control for one of the best catchers in baseball. I hope the Brewers strongly consider making the Marlins an offer for him.

[homer]

I could get on board with that.

[bill hAll Star]

If we're sitting this year out as it appears we are, I don't see making this trade. You could basically call it 2 years of control. Probably will go for a little bit more than I'd be willing to offer.

[JohnBriggs12]

If we're sitting this year out as it appears we are, I don't see making this trade. You could basically call it 2 years of control. Probably will go for a little bit more than I'd be willing to offer.

 

 

Where is this notion that "we are sitting out this year" coming from? It's December. I get that they passed on the higher price relievers but they are involved in negotiations with lots of teams about starting pitching and all the top FA are still out there. Is it the talk about dealing Santana? My take on that is they have a plan to add a FA bat and get major league talent in return for Santana. How is that construed as "taking a year off"?

 

Certainly if they were to add Realmuto, that's not "taking a year off" even if Santana was the trade chip. The FA crop has quality bats in it. How about dealing for Realmuto and signing JD Martinez?

[bill hAll Star]

If we're sitting this year out as it appears we are, I don't see making this trade. You could basically call it 2 years of control. Probably will go for a little bit more than I'd be willing to offer.

 

 

Where is this notion that "we are sitting out this year" coming from? It's December. I get that they passed on the higher price relievers but they are involved in negotiations with lots of teams about starting pitching and all the top FA are still out there. Is it the talk about dealing Santana? My take on that is they have a plan to add a FA bat and get major league talent in return for Santana. How is that construed as "taking a year off"?

 

Certainly if they were to add Realmuto, that's not "taking a year off" even if Santana was the trade chip. The FA crop has quality bats in it. How about dealing for Realmuto and signing JD Martinez?

 

I'm not suggesting we are completely out of the running, but I don't see many ways that I'd call us odds-on likely to win the division at this point of the offseason save for something that tears apart our future. This would actually be part of that plan.

[pacopete4]

I would love it if the Brewers went after this guy. They probably won't but he would be a great get for them.

 

Go get Realmuto and Kyle Barraclough. Both would be great additions to this team.

[patrickgpe]

aren't there better places to use our resources than catcher? I can't see atleast one of our top guys having to be used to make this trade.

[BrewCrewBlueDevil]

Realmuto may be one of the names that brings Brinson to the trading block. If not, he should be.

[wallus]

How is he a huge upgrade? What am I missing here? I would rather use our trade chips on a bigger upgrade.

[brewmann04]

maybe the Yankees can add him for a bag of ball going back to jeter

[Eye Black]

I think catcher is a position that gets vastly underrated in terms of its importance, and Realmuto is the player who is probably the most underrated player at the catcher position. Adding Realmuto would instantly give the Brewers an advantage over 90% of the league at the catcher position. In terms of roster construction, having an elite catcher is a significant upgrade because the supply of them is so scarce. The flip side is that the risk of injury and "wear and tear" for a catcher is probably the highest among any position players.

 

In the case of Realmuto he is good both defensively and offensively, and according to Statcast is one of the fastest players in baseball (and the fastest catcher by a long shot). He would a very nice addition for the next three years if the cost in prospects was reasonable.

[KeithStone53151]

I think catcher is a position that gets vastly underrated in terms of its importance, and Realmuto is the player who is probably the most underrated player at the catcher position. Adding Realmuto would instantly give the Brewers an advantage over 90% of the league at the catcher position. In terms of roster construction, having an elite catcher is a significant upgrade because the supply of them is so scarce. The flip side is that the risk of injury and "wear and tear" for a catcher is probably the highest among any position players.

 

In the case of Realmuto he is good both defensively and offensively, and according to stat cast is one of the fastest players in baseball (and the fastest catcher by a long shot). He would a very nice addition for the next three years if the cost in prospects was reasonable.

 

This is spot on, I've never understood why good catchers don't get bigger contracts. The upgrade from Pina to Realmuto is significant, and Realmuto still has upside. And I couldn't agree more that he's one of the most underrated at his position.

 

This deal would only make sense for us if Miami valued Pina as he is. They could look at Pina as a downgrade but still very serviceable/cheap catcher that could be traded later for prospects. Pina/Ray/Ponce for Realmuto. Or for those in the trade for Yelich camp, Realmuto/Yelich for Pina/Broxton/Harrison/Peralta/Diaz plus a flier or two. That could push us towards a Santana+ for Archer trade, and successfully trade some of our minor league depth for young, controllable talent.

[Madhawk23]

OK - so, I'll play along here. How about:

 

Brewers get: Realmuto and Starlin Castro (to take back some salary relief)

 

Dbacks get: Villar, Ortiz and either Dubon or Isan Diaz

 

Does that deal get it done, or is it likely the Fish will get a better offer out there?

[bill hAll Star]

I guess here is the debate I am having in reference to my post earlier in the thread and really for any player with under 4 years of control (and I'd even argue I don't want someone with 4 years).

 

Let's first grant an optimistic projection of a team with no Nelson for most of the year of 85 wins. The Cubs are projected 90-93ish, the Cards high 80s, the Pirates I think will bounce back and be at low 80s, the Reds in the low 70s.

 

Say you deal Ortiz, Supak, and 2 higher upside A-level guys for Barraclough and Realmuto. Now you're maybe at an 89 win projection. Are you confident that you'll take down the Cubs yet? If not, now you have to unload 3-4 more prospects to get Archer. Or you have to go out and sign a free agent like Lynn (I'd actually be OK with this part).

 

You start pushing more and more chips on the table when you realize that this team still cannot safely be projected above the Cubs and maybe Cards even with Realmuto and another major piece or two that we've dealt for in 2018.

 

If you don't win it all this year with those players added, you're now looking at Realmuto joining the giant group of players (Nelson, Davies, Shaw, Thames, Braun, Knebel, Santana, other acquired 2-3 year control guy, Villar (if he rebounds), and some support players), most of which are already on the back end of their prime that are free agents after 2020 or a few of them after 2021 and you've already cut into your farm system.

 

So given that above paragraph going into 2019...are you going to sit on another ~90 win team (if most things go right) or are you going to push the rest of the chips from your farm system on to the table to try to beat the Cubs who may have just added Bryce Harper?

 

So I say no to Realmuto. I'd make a call to see if Jeter or their GM is drunk and gives him up for a song, but I'm taking the long view. If we do anything, it should be in free agency.

[liveforoctober]

I guess here is the debate I am having in reference to my post earlier in the thread and really for any player with under 4 years of control (and I'd even argue I don't want someone with 4 years).

 

Let's first grant an optimistic projection of a team with no Nelson for most of the year of 85 wins. The Cubs are projected 90-93ish, the Cards high 80s, the Pirates I think will bounce back and be at low 80s, the Reds in the low 70s.

 

Say you deal Ortiz, Supak, and 2 higher upside A-level guys for Barraclough and Realmuto. Now you're maybe at an 89 win projection. Are you confident that you'll take down the Cubs yet? If not, now you have to unload 3-4 more prospects to get Archer. Or you have to go out and sign a free agent like Lynn (I'd actually be OK with this part).

 

You start pushing more and more chips on the table when you realize that this team still cannot safely be projected above the Cubs and maybe Cards even with Realmuto and another major piece or two that we've dealt for in 2018.

 

If you don't win it all this year with those players added, you're now looking at Realmuto joining the giant group of players (Nelson, Davies, Shaw, Thames, Braun, Knebel, Santana, other acquired 2-3 year control guy, Villar (if he rebounds), and some support players), most of which are already on the back end of their prime that are free agents after 2020 or a few of them after 2021 and you've already cut into your farm system.

 

So given that above paragraph going into 2019...are you going to sit on another ~90 win team (if most things go right) or are you going to push the rest of the chips from your farm system on to the table to try to beat the Cubs who may have just added Bryce Harper?

 

So I say no to Realmuto. I'd make a call to see if Jeter or their GM is drunk and gives him up for a song, but I'm taking the long view. If we do anything, it should be in free agency.

 

Well, shoot. If you have this season already figured out and we are destined for mediocrity should we even suit up and play it?

[Warning Track Power]

I like Realmuto a ton but I would much rather sign Lucroy than deal the necessary prospects for Realmuto.

[reillymcshane]

Realmuto would be a really nice addition - but I think he will cost a ton.

 

The guy has a ton of positives. He's a good hitter and defensive player, he doesn't really have big splits, and he's in his prime (27 next march). Also, something that could really be interesting is that he's played half of his games in Miami - which has hurt his offensive production. For his career, in Miamii he has a .645 OPS. On the road it's .845 - a 200 point difference.

 

As I said, a really good player - and will cost a lot.

[bill hAll Star]

I guess here is the debate I am having in reference to my post earlier in the thread and really for any player with under 4 years of control (and I'd even argue I don't want someone with 4 years).

 

Let's first grant an optimistic projection of a team with no Nelson for most of the year of 85 wins. The Cubs are projected 90-93ish, the Cards high 80s, the Pirates I think will bounce back and be at low 80s, the Reds in the low 70s.

 

Say you deal Ortiz, Supak, and 2 higher upside A-level guys for Barraclough and Realmuto. Now you're maybe at an 89 win projection. Are you confident that you'll take down the Cubs yet? If not, now you have to unload 3-4 more prospects to get Archer. Or you have to go out and sign a free agent like Lynn (I'd actually be OK with this part).

 

You start pushing more and more chips on the table when you realize that this team still cannot safely be projected above the Cubs and maybe Cards even with Realmuto and another major piece or two that we've dealt for in 2018.

 

If you don't win it all this year with those players added, you're now looking at Realmuto joining the giant group of players (Nelson, Davies, Shaw, Thames, Braun, Knebel, Santana, other acquired 2-3 year control guy, Villar (if he rebounds), and some support players), most of which are already on the back end of their prime that are free agents after 2020 or a few of them after 2021 and you've already cut into your farm system.

 

So given that above paragraph going into 2019...are you going to sit on another ~90 win team (if most things go right) or are you going to push the rest of the chips from your farm system on to the table to try to beat the Cubs who may have just added Bryce Harper?

 

So I say no to Realmuto. I'd make a call to see if Jeter or their GM is drunk and gives him up for a song, but I'm taking the long view. If we do anything, it should be in free agency.

 

Well, shoot. If you have this season already figured out and we are destined for mediocrity should we even suit up and play it?

 

Understanding and being realistic about stuff like this is literally what makes a good GM and organization.

 

The Astros didn't trade their farm system for 2 or 3 years of players in 2013. They still suited up and it meant something.

 

To answer the question, they should suit up because it is still entirely possible to win the division and it is also more important to evaluate which players are best to keep around and develop for the years that I would hope they can win the division.

 

If the Brewers are 6 games up on the Cubs at the trade deadline but have a giant hole at catcher, sign me up for this trade.

[Mudville9]

I like Realmuto a ton but I would much rather sign Lucroy than deal the necessary prospects for Realmuto.

 

I like that idea as well, but then we would need to deal a couple catchers to someone and I'm not sure how much we can get back if everyone knows we have to trade them or keep 5 or 6 catchers on the 40 man. I think either Bandy or Susac are out of options, so I wouldn't mind trading that one and the Ray's, Gatewoods, Ponces or Stokes of the system for him. Like you said though, I would not want to give up any future pieces, but quantity over quality for a nice upgrade up the middle would be great.

 

Something like Ray, Susac/Bandy, Ponce, Wren.

 

(I was going to look up the list of players coming up for 40 man protection next year, but can't find it.)

[pacopete4]

Sign him, buy out his last two years of Arby and tack on another year or two worth some real money to the guy. We could get him under contract until he's 30 years old and then he can go out and get another big payday as he leads us to our first World Series trophy.

[wallus]

It is interesting that the posts saying he is a great player are offering not great prospects for him. I mean I would take him for these deals being proposed for sure.

[pacopete4]

If the Marlins don't want Pina(age), maybe they would entertain a guy like Nottingham, Bandy, Susac as guys they value. Not talking straight up but in terms of replacing Realmuto.

[Outlander]

It is interesting that the posts saying he is a great player are offering not great prospects for him. I mean I would take him for these deals being proposed for sure.

I'm with you here. If the Brewers got Brinson for Lucroy there is no reason the Marlins can't do the same here, nobody in this Brewers system would be off limits.

 

I also think the Brewers value Pina but don't know what his value is in trade.

[bill hAll Star]

If the Marlins don't want Pina(age), maybe they would entertain a guy like Nottingham, Bandy, Susac as guys they value. Not talking straight up but in terms of replacing Realmuto.

 

I don't know if this would factor into Marlins' thinking at all. I know you may be responding to earlier in the thread where somebody mentioned we'd have too many catchers on the 40-man, but the Marlins would just have to wait for us to be forced to DFA one of the guys on your list. Or they could just sign Jeff Mathis for a year. This type of thing shouldn't really be on the Marlins' mind while they try to deal Realmuto.

 

Sure, we'd probably just throw one of these guys in if we made the deal but it wouldn't be of much value since we'd probably be backed into cutting one of them anyways.

[Humans Need Water]

It is interesting that the posts saying he is a great player are offering not great prospects for him. I mean I would take him for these deals being proposed for sure.

I'm with you here. If the Brewers got Brinson for Lucroy there is no reason the Marlins can't do the same here, nobody in this Brewers system would be off limits.

 

I also think the Brewers value Pina but don't know what his value is in trade.

Except Lucroy had a 4yr stretch where 3 of those years were better than anything this dude's put up and he was a 2x AS.

 

Also, this guy didn't request a trade. He simply stated he wouldn't mind if he was traded given what's transpired the past couple weeks.