MIAMI -- One potential suitor for Marlins All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto may be off the board.
The Nationals on Monday reached an agreement on a two-year contract with veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal reports the deal is worth $10 million.
With that type of investment in Suzuki, it appears to have eliminated Washington as a potential trade match for Realmuto.
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The Marlins and Nationals had engaged in numerous conversations since last offseason regarding Realmuto. Throughout, Miami's asking price has always included either outfielder Victor Robles or Juan Soto to be part of a potential deal.
Robles is rated by MLB Pipeline as the No. 4 prospect in baseball. Soto finished second to Ronald Acuna Jr. in the National League Rookie of the Year Award voting.
Entering his second season of arbitration, Realmuto is drawing various levels of attention from at least 10 teams. But since he isn't a free agent until 2021, the Marlins don't have any urgency to make a move this offseason. After Realmuto made $2.9 million in '18, he is expected to get a raise via arbitration for the upcoming season but remain affordable, and there are no internal options ready to take over the starting role behind the plate.
In recent weeks, the organization hasn't completely closed the door on an extension -- even in light of Realmuto's agent, Jeff Berry of CAA, telling MLB Network Radio that his client isn't considering an extension. Still, it appears unlikely an extension will get done. It's also questionable if the Marlins feel comfortable enough to work out a contract for Realmuto with an average annual value (AAV) of around $20 million a season. That's on par with the top catchers.
Realmuto batted .277 and had career highs in home runs (21) and RBIs (74) in 2018.
There is no front-runner to strike a deal, but the Dodgers have serious interest in Realmuto. Yasmani Grandal is a free agent, and Los Angeles has a deep system. There's already been a report that the Marlins have asked for Cody Bellinger, the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year Award winner. But there is no sense Bellinger absolutely has to be part of a package. Los Angeles' top prospect is outfielder Alex Verdugo, the No. 32-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list.
The Astros have consistently been mentioned as a possible trade match. But much like talks with the Nationals, nothing has gone far. Since last offseason, the Astros have balked at parting with outfield prospect Kyle Tucker or right-hander Forrest Whitley. Tucker is the No. 5 prospect on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list, and Whitley is eighth.
The Braves also have interest, and now that they are without Suzuki to split time with Tyler Flowers, they could either explore other options, or make a stronger push for Realmuto. But the Marlins would prefer not to trade their All-Star catcher to a National League East rival. If something could get done, Braves right-hander Mike Soroka is the No. 20 prospect in baseball, and he likely would have to be included in any deal.
The Yankees could be open to trading for Realmuto, especially with Gary Sanchez having a left shoulder procedure. There's been speculation that Sanchez could be included in a possible trade for Realmuto. But it's doubtful a one-for-one deal would happen.
The Angels could also be a potential fit. They also have a touted prospect in outfielder, Jo Adell, the No. 15 prospect by MLB Pipeline.