J.T. Realmuto Rumors: Four Teams That Make Sense

J.T. Realmuto Rumors: The Backdrop

Realmuto played out the last two years of his contract with the Phillies in 2020, becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Since then, he has been the center of much speculation, as to where he would be playing in the future. He has established himself as the top catcher available in the market and has drawn a lot of interest from several teams. The early speculation prominently featured the Mets as a serious suitor, however, the Mets had a more aggressive timetable than Realmuto and signed James McCann to a deal late last week.

J.T. Realmuto Rumors: After McCann

Now that McCann has signed with the Mets, who are the other options? Realmuto"s value and associated cost will rule out some teams, while other teams are settled at the catching position. Yet, common sense dictates that there are teams seriously interested in J.T Realmuto. Indeed, there are multiple teams still rumored to in the Realmuto sweepstakes.

J.T. Realmuto Rumors: Washington Nationals

The Nationals would seem to be a good fit for Realmuto on paper. They have already announced their intention to play Yan Gomes as their primary catcher in 2021. Yet, the allure of Realmuto cannot be ignored here. The Nationals had been mentioned in a potential trade for the catcher in July. With Gomes hitting age 33, it makes sense that the Nationals at least pick up the phone. While the Nationals may be a long-shot, until Realmuto signs elsewhere, They should not be counted out of the running.

J.T. Realmuto Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays were a pleasant surprise in the shortened 2020 season. With young talents such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio, they are definitely a team on the rise. While they figure to need pitching, (who doesn"t?) it would be hard to pass on the premier catcher in the game. They will be interesting to watch and see if they just swoop in when nobody is looking.

J.T. Realmuto Rumors: New York Yankees

Hey, aren"t the Yankees in on every free agent every year? While it may only seem that way, they have to be considered a legitimate match for Realmuto. Yes, it is true that just three days ago, General Manager Brian Cashman declared that Gary Sanchez will enter spring training as the “heir apparent" starter. It is also true that many fans still support Sanchez behind the dish. So, this may be somewhat of a long-shot, but we have learned to never ignore the Yankees when it comes to signing superstar players.

J.T. Realmuto Rumors: Philadelphia Phillies

Wait, does that say the Phillies? Are they the same Phillies that have spent a ton of money the last two years and failed to make the playoffs? Those guys? Up until very recently, the Phillies had been out of the Realmuto equation. That all changed on December 11th. The Phillies hired Dave Dombrowski to lead their baseball operations. While Dombrowski will not control the purse strings, he is also someone who likes to win. Also, the Mets" signing of McCann eliminates one of Realmuto"s potential replacements. So, the Phillies may well get back in the Realmuto game.

J.T. Realmuto Rumors: Final Thoughts

The reality is that there seems to be no clear-cut favorite to land J.T. Realmuto at this point. Realmuto and his agent have been rather quiet themselves, leaving the speculation to the rest of us. Anybody claiming to have the inside track on signing Realmuto would only be teasing their fan base. Still, fans will speculate; that is what the Hot Stove League is all about, after all. For now, when it comes to Realmuto, speculation is the only game in town.

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