Miami would need 'huge overpay' for Yelich, J.T.

Marlins listening to offers for star outfielder, catcher

December 29th, 2017

MIAMI -- The Marlins are not pressing the issue, but they are open to dealing their two most valuable trade assets -- outfielder and catcher J.T. Realmuto.
As trade speculation is gaining steam, a source told MLB.com on Friday that the Marlins are "listening" on both players, but will only move either for a "huge overpay."
The Marlins have already been among the most active teams this Hot Stove season, trading Dee Gordon, and earlier in the month. Those three trades cleared roughly $340 million off Miami's books.
Hot Stove Tracker
At this point, the Marlins are basically at their projected payroll of under $100 million. There is no urgency to deal Yelich, who has $43.25 million remaining on a contract that runs through 2021, plus a club option for '22.
Realmuto is entering his first year of arbitration, and isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2020 season.

At least a dozen clubs have touched base regarding Yelich and Realmuto, who are both 26 years old.
There has been speculation Miami may consider including reliever , who is owed $9 million in 2018 or third baseman , who is signed for $28.5 million through '19, as part of a deal for Yelich or Realmuto. But the Marlins are not looking to water down the return for either player.
Yelich had a slash line of .282/.369/.439 with 18 home runs, 81 RBIs and 100 runs scored in 2017. Realmuto, one of the most athletic catchers in MLB, hit .278 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs, appearing in 141 games.