Recent reports indicate the New York Mets are growing pessimistic on their chances of obtaining J.T. Realmuto from the Miami Marlins. Perhaps one the reasons why is the Cincinnati Reds appear to be in on the All-Star catcher, and they are rumored to have made a strong offer.
According to Jon Heyman of Fancred, Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart and outfield Taylor Trammell are names that have been mentioned in a potential blockbuster deal.
Barnhardt has been the Reds starting catcher for the past three years. The 27-year-old hit .248/.328/.372 in 138 games last year while posting a 0.9 WAR. He due is signed for three more years, and he has a fourth year $7.5 million team option.
Baseball America ranks Trammell as the 21st best prospect in baseball. The 21 year old outfielder is noted to have “plus-plus speed,” and he is expected to hit for increased power as he matures.
Overall, this is a fairly steep price for the Reds to pay for Realmuto, and there is a very fair question about whether the Mets could match it while continuing a roster intended to win in 2019.
With that being the case, it is possible the Mets move onto Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos in free agency or maybe even Francisco Cervelli on the trade market.
