The reigning World Series champion Houston Astros have already improved their team this offseason by trading for starting pitcher Gerrit Cole. However, they may be looking to bolster their entire battery, as they are reportedly interested in trading for Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.
According to Craig Mish of Sirius XM on Twitter, Houston has engaged with Miami about trading for the young backstop. Outfielder Kyle Tucker is reportedly who the Marlins are asking for in the potential swap. Mish also adds that there is a 50 percent chance Realmuto isn’t a Marlin on Opening Day.
The 26-year-old Realmuto is the last man standing in Miami, as outfielders Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich and Dee Gordon have all been shipped away this winter.
In 141 games for the Fish in 2017, Realmuto was good for 3.6 WAR while hitting to a .278/.332/.451 clip with 17 homers and 65 RBI. He also had a 105 wRC+ and .332 wOBA in 579 plate appearances.
Realmuto’s name has also been connected to the Washington Nationals, though the Marlins wanted their top prospect Victor Robles in exchange for the catcher’s services, to which they balked at.
Neither the Astros or the Marlins would confirm, but Mish stands by his report.
