JT Realmuto Marlins Mets
J.T. Realmuto #11 of the Miami Marlins singles in the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park on August 12, 2018 in Miami, Florida. Michael Reaves/Getty Images

No player has been at the center of more trade rumors than J.T. Realmuto. The Miami Marlins have made it clear that they are trying to deal the catcher, and it seems like half of the league has expressed interest in the All-Star at some point this offseason.

Realmuto wasn’t moved at the Winter Meetings because Miami’s asking price has been so high. The Marlins reportedly tried to get 2017 NL Rookie of the Year Cody Bellinger from the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they asked for All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies from the Atlanta Braves.

The New York Mets have rebuffed trade offers that have included Michael Conforto and Noah Syndergaard. New York, however, hasn’t given up their pursuit of the catcher, and they might ultimately be the team that comes to an agreement with Miami.

Ken Rosenthal said on MLB Network Thursday afternoon that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Realmuto go to the Mets within the next week.

After a disappointing 2018 season, the Mets are trying to contend in 2019. They already traded for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz from the Seattle Mariner, taking on a large contract to improve their roster. New York signed closer Jeurys Familia to a three-year deal Wednesday night to improve the bullpen.

Catcher might be the Mets’ biggest need. New York received little production from the position last year. Hitters that played behind the plate for the Mets in 2018 posted.208/.297/.355 splits with 17 home runs.

Realmuto might be the best catcher in baseball. He hit .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs in 125 games last year. The 27-year-old had a .771 OPS in 2016 and a .783 OPS in 2017. He’s under control for two more years before hitting free agency.

The Mets are considering catchers Wilson Ramos, Yasmani Grandal and Martin Maldonado in free agency. They’ve also reached out to the Boston Red Sox about potentially trading for one of their catchers.