As trade discussions with the Miami Marlins about catcher J.T. Realmuto have heated up, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports that the New York Mets are “pushing hard” to make a deal for him.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post originally reported that the Mets had talked to the Marlins about Realmuto, and that they were seriously considering using Brandon Nimmo as a centerpiece.
Bowden later reported that the Marlins did not have interest in trading for a package built around Nimmo, and instead would need the Mets to start with Amed Rosario or Michael Conforto.
Bowden followed this up by reporting that the Marlins’ asking price for Realmuto has been Conforto, Rosario, and more, which the Mets obviously turned down, and rightfully so. The Mets may be willing to part with Nimmo plus another piece, but so far this proposition has not been enough to satisfy the Marlins.
Bowden’s report also confirmed Mike Puma’s earlier report that the Mets are not likely to include Conforto in the deal.
Overall it seems as though Conforto and Rosario are being valued more highly than Nimmo by both clubs, which is interesting considering that Nimmo was the best of the three in 2018.
From the Mets’ standpoint, it would not make a lot of sense to give up Nimmo and more just for Realmuto. Nimmo was second in the National League in wRC+ this year, and the Mets are already thin in outfield depth as it is. Unless they’re confident they can sign Bryce Harper, trading Nimmo would create a big hole to fill, and would be getting rid of their best offensive contributor from 2018.
The talks have started to gain momentum, but from a team standpoint it would might make more sense to keep Nimmo and sign a catcher like Yasmani Grandal.
