MLB Rumors: Phillies Inquire About JT Realmuto Trade With Bryce Harper, Manny Machado Unsigned

The Philadelphia Phillies have been linked to just about every big name available this offseason, and that extends beyond simply free agency. According to the latest rumors, the team has inquired about J.T. Realmuto with the Miami Marlins.

The catcher has been at the center of trade rumors for the entire offseason, and the expectation is Miami will complete a deal before the 2019 MLB season starts. Philadelphia doesn’t appear to be among the top suitors for the All-Star, who won’t come cheap.

The Marlins have been steadfast in their desire to land a young, proven MLB player, along with at least one prospect. The Cincinnati Reds have reportedly been recent talks with Miami, discussing a deal that could include 28-year-old catcher Tucker Barnhart and a couple of promising minor leaguers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves have reportedly shown interest in Realmuto, as well.

#Phillies recently checked in on #Marlins’ Realmuto, sources tell The Athletic. Phils, like many teams, routinely monitor markets for top players in trades and free agency. Continued availability of Realmuto led to renewed communication. No indication deal is close.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 5, 2019

So, yes... when #Reds talk w/#Marlins, India is being talked about. Latest I've heard is a deal involving Tucker Barnhart, India and one (or more) lesser prospects in exchange for Realmuto is being discussed. https://t.co/kJzzVk15ML
— Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) February 2, 2019

Philadelphia is more likely to acquire Bryce Harper or Manny Machado than Realmuto. The Phillies are expected to enter the season with one of MLB’s top free agents, though the team’s winter has thus far been underwhelming.

Talk of the Phillies getting ready to spend “stupid” money hasn’t turned into a game-changing signing just yet. Philadelphia’s free-agent additions have been limited to reliever David Robertson and outfielder Andrew McCutchen. The Phillies traded for shortstop Jean Segura not long after the conclusion of the World Series.

Patrick Corbin, the offseason’s No.1 starting pitcher, chose the Washington Nationals over both the Phillies and New York Yankees because of the lucrative contract he was offered by Philadelphia’s NL East rival. Pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel have been linked to the Phillies, but they remain unsigned.

Harper and Machado clearly haven’t received the record-setting offers they hoped they’d get this offseason. The result has been a number of “mystery teams” supposedly entering the race for the 26-year-old star players.