Reports emerged this morning that momentum was growing between the Phillies and Marlins on a deal to send star catcher J.T. Realmuto to Philadelphia. Now, it seems, the sides have made yet further strides, to the point that they appear to be on the cusp of a completed transaction.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post cites multiple sources (Twitter link) for the proposition that the negotiations are “down to physical reviews” and the supplemental prospect pieces in the swap. He reports that top Phillies pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez would join young backstop Jorge Alfaro as the two key pieces of the package.
That report builds upon prior indications of a nearing agreement. Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets that two of the other organizations that had been pursuing Realmuto now believe he’s destined to land with the Phils. Craig Mish of MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM tweeted that he expects a deal to occur today, while MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported the growing momentum with the Philadelphia organization specifically.
In terms of the final details of the package, it seems that’s still open to discussion. (One wonders whether other Marlins players or third teams could also be involved.) Sherman reports (Twitter links) that players under consideration including top-ten organizational prospects Mickey Moniak, Adam Haseley, and Adonis Medina, with Jon Heyman of MLB Network reporting (Twitter links) that Alec Bohm, Luis Garcia, and Spencer Howard all also being talked about.
That bunch of names covers most of the top portion of the Phillies farm, so there’ still a good bit of variability in the outcome here. Sherman says the outlook for the deal still looks good — indeed, Sanchez’s medicals are already under review in Miami — but there’s haggling left to go. The Marlins want four total players and are unsurprisingly trying to pry loose some of the Phils’ best remaining farm assets.
Brixton
Its such a big overpay that NEEDs to lead to another big signing or its just dumb.
Slipknot37
They are willing to spend stupid money that it doesnt surprise me that they did this assuming the trade is going to happen
22Leo
People assume that “stupid money” meant a lot of money. They didn’t realize it just meant spending stupidly.
andrewgauldin
Machado signing within the next week? That’s my prediction
Woods Rider
Agreed. Sixto and Aflaro is too much. Medina, Alfaro, and a low-level prospect should be enough to get it done.
To me, this deal (as constructed as mentioned above) is an overpay.
Only way it isn’t is if they know they have Harper.
stymeedone
evidently, you are wrong, because if that was enough, it would have already happened.
Woods Rider
It’s an overpay period as constructed. Realmuto is a good catcher, but he’s not good good enough of an upgrade over Alfaro to warrant giving up Sixto.
The Phillies are overpaying if that is indeed the case.
thomps07
Sixto is a prospect and could easily flame out. No one knows a prospects true value. Look at the previously untouchable Jurickson profar. The A’s got him for a bucket of baseballs compared to what the rangers could have traded him for back then.
Woods Rider
Just because you disagree with me doesn’t make you right either.
I’ll type it again:
If Sixto Sanchez is included in this deal than it is an overpay by Philadelphia. Sixto, by himself, is fair enough for Realmuto.
Asfan0780
A’s did give up botrom end top 10 prospect i their system in eli white although they had otjet infield depth and i hated giving up the draft pick
Jacob Sizemore
While Sixto could pan out perfectly inline with his prospective future, saying that a one for one swap of Sixto for Realmuto is an overpay is asinine.
Jacob Sizemore
I just reread, sorry. You stated the one for one swap would be fair enough. Not asinine, but not true either… at least at this moment.
AndyMeyer
Not a good enough upgrade over Alfaro??? He’s the best catcher in the game
AndyMeyer
It’s clearly not
Woods Rider
Correct, that is what I was implying.. A straight up Sixto for Realmuto trade is fair in my opinion. If the Marlins want more, than I would expect that an extension of Realmuto is part of the deal.
I understand that giving up Alfaro is part of the deal. That’s a given. However, if that is the case, then giving up Sanchez in the deal with only two years of control of Realmuto is an overpay in my opinion. Now, if they are working out a 3 or 4 year extension with Realmuto as part of the deal, then it makes sense.
I guess we have to wait and see how the whole thing shakes out.
22Leo
Yeah the asking price is too high from the Marlins and just like Machado and Harper any teams that requires either of those guys is going to regret it soon.
BigPhan
He is absolutely correct and because he repeats it. They’re talking 3 or4 of Phillies top 10 including #1. Sacrifices too many affordable years of control for just two. It’s a huge overpay there’s got to be more to this trade.
Willy Mays
Did you just say a minor league prospect one on one is enough fort 2 years of the best catcher in baseball.That is incredibly stupid. Especially since Sixto is only ranked as # 13 minor leaguer .While he might turn into a real good pitcher he also might be no better than a mediocre starter.Worse than that he might get injured or might never pan out. If you were a GM it is obvious you would never make a trade because you so overrate your players talent
blackandteal
Trades with divisional rivals always cost more.
martras
Regardless of your personal attachment to Sixto, his peripherals in single A aren’t impressive. Coupled with elbow and collarbone issues which have kept him off the mound most of the last 2 years, and Sanchez has no shot at playing at the MLB level as a starter until 2021, assuming he can suddenly remain healthy and not wind up getting TJ.
That’s assuming his velocity amounts to much. Right now, to me, he just looks like a velocity only guy. He’s not generating strike outs in the lower minors, and with that velocity, it’s a huge red flag.
Woods Rider
Do you see anyone else giving up their #1 prospect in any deal for Realmuto? No, you sure don’t. Why? It’s an overpay, that’s why. It’s why Realmuto is still in Miami.
The Marlins are not at the advantage here. They are not dealing from a position of strength. Especially now since they want a deal done by Saturday. The Marlins backs are against the wall and the clock is ticking. Unless there’s the ability to work out a 3 or 4 year extension with Realmuto, there’s no way I’m including the #1 prospect in my entire organization. Especially to a division rival, where, said prospect turns out, could haunt my team for 6 years at a minimum.
There has to be more to this proposed trade than what is being reported. There’s no way the Phillies are overpaying as big as has been reported when so many other GM’s balked at the Marlins demands.
thomps07
Everyone thought the brewers overpaid for Yelich too. He is an MVP and Brinson is a hack with no OBP ability.
DTD
Maybe you don’t see others giving up their number 1 prospect because their prospects are a whole lot better and you’re overrating Sanchez?
PopeMarley
“requires either of those guys” to do what?
David Makai
If the Phillies were a bottom of the barrel team with no playoff chance, sure, maybe alfaro/sixto/+ could be considered an overpay. But they’re not only now a playoff caliber team, but arguably a top 5 team if they add Realmuto and 1 of Harper/Machado.
The fact is, Sixto is in single A and from the numbers I saw, didn’t exactly dominate. Let him go. Time to make the push for the world series. If JTR isn’t the best catcher in the game, he’s top 3. You gotta give up something to get elite talent. Especially cheap elite talent
cheesesteak
I’ve seen Sixto pitch three times in Clearwater last season and he was unimpressive. Alfaro is really bad. Make the deal.
T_Rexx2
I would love to think there is more to this trade but who is of any value on that team other than JT?
STLBaseballFanSince2020
Profar wasn’t a prospect whose abilities simply didn’t translate to the MLB level. He missed ’14,’15, and a couple games in ’16 to a shoulder injury. That’s enough to kill/cripple most careers considering how young he was.
You can’t operate your organization under the impression your top prospects are all going to meet a similar fate. EVERY MVP and Cy Young pitcher were prospects at some point..
Anyone making the point of wanting to trade Sixto because he COULD flare out can be easily countered with the point that Realmuto could get hit by a bus in Spring Training and never walk again..
Yankeepride88
Take a look at any too prospects list in the past decade and how many top 100 starters turned out to be a stud? The answer is VERY few
kenly0
Maybe Straily as SP depth
Grizalt
An extension wouldn’t justify the trade unless it’s for well below market value, which I don’t see Realmuto doing.
Anyway, if the Marlins weren’t willing to let the Padres talk extension with Realmuto, they’re certainly not going to let the division rival Phillies do it.
skb678
what will it matter, by the time Sixto makes it to the big leagues , the NL will have adopted the DH and you won’t be a paying attention to the MLB anymore. Or that’s at least what you said yesterday.
Woods Rider
And I still stand by that.
trident
Right now this looks like an overpay but you never know how prospects will turn out. I remember about a decade ago the Angels didn’t want to lose their top prospect Brandon Wood for Miguel Tejada, so the trade never went through..
Michael Chaney
If the Phillies themselves think Sixto isn’t enough to give up, then there’s your answer right there
its_happening
Woods – you are right, it’s an overpay. Philly has shown they are suckers. This could be bad, yet this could also secure the division – pending you are correct about the Harper part.
Your detractors are walking in circles instead of taking your point head on. Forgive them for what they will never know.
kenleyfornia2
Who needs Harper or Machado when you got Andrew McCutchen
Woods Rider
Jim Salisbury is basically calling it a done deal. No word on the 3rd prospect though.
dirty_english
I don’t care anymore
ericm25
yup that’s what Phil Collins would say. “I dont care anymore, I dont care what you say, I got better things to do……
lol
GoCubsGo
Just do it already!
Matt Galvin
Stealing the thunder of the NBA by doing a Blockbuster Today so hopefully NBA theirs a couple to for ESPN Headlines.
Begamin
Who even pays attention to Lebron v GSW Act 10 anymore?
Syndergaarden Cop
Add Bohm to the list of potential 3rd pieces
MrStealYoBase
Huge if true
dejota
Way to go Miami.
– An Astros Fan Who Didn’t Think They’d Get A Return Like This
tarheelfan
Done deal. Sixto will break down as 5-11″ power pitchers are prone to do…
anthonyd4412
So that inch under 6 feet makes all the difference ugh
Jean Matrac
What’s does the height of 6 feet got to do with it? The average height for all pitchers in MLB is almost 6′-2″. But that’s all pitchers, not just power pitchers. There is a history of smaller power pitchers having short, or shorter, careers.
jleve618
Not to mention some red flag injuries last year already, coupled with setbacks that prevented him from pitching in the fall league.
Woods Rider
You and several others mentioned this and it makes me wonder if the Phillies know something the Marlins don’t? Is it possibly that the Phillies believe that, given his recent injurt history, that he will break down?
martras
Shorter pitchers have lower ball release points which are further away from the batter. The higher the release point, the more vertical movement of the ball from the pitcher’s hand to the strike zone. That downward plane makes it more difficult for hitters to read pitches effectively, and the longer arm of a taller person means the ball is technically being released closer to home plate than a pitcher with a shorter arm. That makes an impact on “Perceived Velocity” by making pitches seem faster than they are.
BasedBallGuru
Little guys have to overthrow and overtax their bodies to throw hard compared to a big guy. This isnt a hot take its a fact. Scouts know this, teams know this..
Little guys break down, big guys never develop the athleticism to harness their control. These are what pitchers improve after they are drafted, size (strength) and athleticism. Some guys need a ton of one to overcome the other.
For every Pedro theres a dozen Bukauskas, like the Astros are trying to trade to anyone listening before they move him to the pen.
MrStealYoBase
Well, considering how long they took to make this deal and how they seemingly were trying to hold onto him, I find this unlikely.
I think they liked what they had in Sanchez but ultimately decided it was a price they were willing to concede.
jleve618
That inch is Huuuge!
Jean Matrac
Try 3 inches. That’s the difference from the average pitcher’s height.
Michael Chaney
My girlfriend tells me the same thing
thomps07
Nice job. 🙂
path501@yahoo.com 2
Craig kimbrel comes to mind. He’s listed at 6 feet, but I bet he’s 5 feet 11 inches tall. There’s your power, you don’t have to be big to have power.
Jean Matrac
Starting and relieving are 2 different things. Tim Lincecum was also 5′-11″, and I wonder if he’d still be pitching had he been a closer.
cheesesteak
Sixto tried to overpower hitters in High A last year with his fastball and he got hit hard. It won’t get any easier on him until he improves his secondaries.
PhilliePhan
Batters hit .223 off him at high A last year. Not sure I would say he was hit hard.
Chicks Dig the Longball
Lol all pitchers breakdown. Size is no correlation .
Wildboyz
Pedro Martinez
Jean Matrac
You can always find one exception.
The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla
Pedro Martinez thinks you have a bright future as a GM.
milkman
The Freak may have had a shortish career, but the years he played he was dominant and worth every penny. Just like sixto can be
kodiak920
Over a year in the making…finally.
codylg
If this goes down expect Harper to the Phillies within 24 hours.
david klein
Realmuto is damn good but is he that big of an improvement over Alfaro and with just two years of control enough to justify trading an elite prospect like Sanchez? I say no
Mjm117
Very much an improvement over Alfaro.
david klein
Yes but I wouldn’t trade Sixto for two years of Realmuto.
stymeedone
Three years ago in Toronto :
I wouldn’t trade Daniel Norris for a 1/2 season of David Price.
AidanVega123
TRUE
BasedBallGuru
No sane team would. But he does have huge injury concerns, and the Phillies know more about that than anyone. Im excited for the Marlins return, as a Marlins hater. Lol
BasedBallGuru
I wouldnt trade Syndegard for Dicky! See others can play that game too! And Sixto has more in common with Thor than Norris ever did.
Woods Rider
Not enough to give up Sanchez.
Chicks Dig the Longball
Yes. Incredibly big improvement. I like this move if they sign an extension. If they don’t I think it is a less than ideal move, but still not a terrible one.
BigPhan
I agree. No.
martras
Alfaro was below league average in hitting last year with a ridiculous .406 BABIP. He’s 25 so while he may have some upside left, expecting major strides at the plate would be optimistic. Considering his 70 grade power tool hasn’t shown any materialization since 2016, and his stock has fallen quite a bit.
Alfaro might not even be a starting caliber MLB catcher if the BABIP drops down to the .300-ish you’d expect at the MLB level.
David Makai
He’s got a great arm and that’s about it. Good post. No time to wait around and see if Alfaro somehow becomes the opposite of what he has been.
walls17
Sixto alone is a good deal. Anything additional is really good
Brent Griffith
The Dodgers are the big losers in this one
stymeedone
No more than any other team that didnt overpay for him.
Wolf Hoffmann
The Dodgers will be just fine. They will still sell 3.5 million tickets and win their Division. And they will still have all of their quality prospects. I am glad they didn’t sell their farm for a good, but not great catcher.
kingcong95
Well, that escalated quickly.
brucebochyisthemarlboroman
Nooooooooooooooo!!!
dellapple
Awesome news. If they do this deal, they should pass on Harper and Machado!
david klein
And go with Nick Williams and Franco? Lol
dellapple
The 10 year deal turns me off. Too long!
hiflew
So shorter deals with inferior players is your thing?
Chicks Dig the Longball
If they do this deal it would make more sense to go get Harper. Better maximize your situation if you are moving Sixto.
acarneglia
We’ve been down this road before
22Leo
The biggest losers in the off-season will be the ones that sign Harper and Machado and the one that trades for Realmuto.
Brixton
Jeez then the Phillies are gonna be super duper losers when they do all 3.
/sarcasm
PhaithfulPhan08
If the Phils were willing to spend these assets on a catcher, why didn’t they even consider bringing back Wilson Ramos? His bat was one of the few bright spots on an offensively challenged Phils team in the 2nd half last year.
raef715
they may have considered it. With Ramos durability issues, they would have kept Alfaro around most likely, and Ramos may have just wanted to be the guy, without a younger option around.
I did like Ramos but besides the injury question, he really clogged up the bases.
hiflyer000
Ramos supposedly didn’t want to come back and made that known to management.
stubby66
Phillies will look very good after this trade with also adding Keuchal and Harper next week. Philadelphia would be best staying away from Machado. Adding Marwin Gonzalez would be the cherry on top
FullMontilla
Get over yourselves Philly! They’re not going to be signing every remaining marquee FA next week! Several of you sound like kids in a candy store
stubby66
Pretty sure that not what I said. But they do have the money available to get Harper, Gonzales and Keuchal. Now that by no means an outlandish possibility
Twinsfan333
The NL East is going to be fun to watch this year.
MrStealYoBase
4/5ths of it will be!
PopeMarley
3/5ths
bravesfan
I mean, what’s being asked is not the same as what’s rumors had from the braves. This is a joke. Braves could/can offer a better deal with players that are closer to mlb ready. If we aren’t offering a as good or better deal, then I’m confused why we are even in this rumor mix. As a fan, I have a hard time letting go of prospects. Seems like our organization as a whole might be on that boat.
Chicks Dig the Longball
Well it’s clear the Phillies are just more interested. Doesn’t mean the Braves never checked in.
brave from the woods
As far as the Braves, I think they were all talk. Probably won’t see any more moves out of them until the trade deadline and those will be marginal at best if they’re even still in it at that point. Sorry, just been hearing the money & prospect talk for some time now & while you don’t wanna be stupid, you gotta do something. Outside of Donaldson, they’ve done nothing that dramatically improves the club.
Jean Matrac
Even though fans pretend they know the value of players, prospects especially, in truth we have no idea how teams view individual players. Every team has their own independent analyses of players and prospects, which doesn’t necessarily jibe with general evaluations like prospect lists. My guess is the Braves don’t see Realmuto as worth what the Marlins are asking. Or it’s possible that the Phils have concerns about Sanchez. No one knows.
throwinched10
They will trade for Realmuto and sign either Harper or Keuchel. I don’t see them signing both.
Harper is more of a need.
Johhos
Don’t want to lose Haseley and Sixto AND Medina , but if Harper signs, that would alleviate that loss..and allow a Williams or Odubel trade to then occur.
Woods Rider
I agree. Obviously Alfaro is in the deal no matter what is appears. However, I don’t think the Phillies should be ginving up AND, they should be giving up OR. Haseley or Medina. If ithe Marlins want Sixto, then there’s no 3rd player IMO.
Drew22
I would guess that the Phillies are working on an extension for Realmuto. At least, that’s the only reason you’d give up Sixto.
Chicks Dig the Longball
This. They said they would spend stupid money. I wouldn’t be surprised if Realmuto gets something like that to keep him from wanting to hit free agency.
Grizalt
They don’t have to trade for him to give him “stupid money.”
Chicks Dig the Longball
Bruh, that’s what an extension means….
Grizalt
Well “bruh” your comment implies that the Phillies have to trade top prospects to a division rival in order to pay Realmuto “stupid money.” That simply isn’t true. If they are willing to just pay him what he wants they could sign him in 2020 as a FA and keep Sixto.
Unless of course they are angling to win a championship in the next 2 years in which case it really shouldn’t matter if they extend him or not.
Woods Rider
I had that though as well and I sure hope that would be the caveat to including Sixto in the deal.
Grizalt
An extension doesn’t justify giving up Sixto. Unless you think they had to give up Sixto in order to be able to pay Realmuto basically market value.
Drew22
It’s more justification than not extending. And signing him when he’s a 2020 free agent is less likely of he’s not already on your team. That’s why you’d trade for him if you wanted him longer than two years.
Grizalt
“And signing him when he’s a 2020 free agent is less likely of (sic) he’s not already on your team.”
Do we have any proof of this? And do we have any proof that the marginal increase in likelihood is worth more than a top 30 prospect in baseball and a graduated top 100 prospect who has been productive thus far in the Majors?
Drew22
Any credible research on employee retention will show you that the longer someone works in your organization the more likely they are to buy into the culture you’ve built. Research shows that positive relationships have 2.5 times more influence on employee retention than any other factor, including salary.
lowtalker1
This is hilarious
Senioreditor
Good move for Philadelphia if it happens. Prospects are prospects and most don’t ever amount to JT’s ability. If they ultimately sign him long term it was a good move.
snotrocket
Feels like I’ve heard this somewhere before…
55bums
Thank you Phillies
From a Dodger fan
BasedBallGuru
Braves fan checking. I appreciate it also. This year may suck but the 18+ years of great prospects we will now keep instead are good enough for me.. Anderson+Riley+ a top 100 “throw in” seems to be the least they would accept from us. Im good with Flowers.
HBan22
It would be foolish for the Phillies to include Sixto Sanchez in this trade. He should be their one “untouchable” prospect. Ace upside and he may be ready for MLB by the end of this season. And the Phillies biggest need (besides one more big bat perhaps) is starting pitching. I agree with the guy who suggested they should have simply re-signed Wilson Ramos if they wanted a front line catcher this badly. Ramos and Sixto > Realmuto
raef715
love Sixto, but at the same time he’s maxed out at 95 innings two seasons ago, with some injury questions.
proof2006
There should hardly ever be an untouchable prospect. He definitely isn’t someone who would fit the bill.
norcalblue
All it takes is one really dumb, short-sighted owner to make this kind of overpay happen. I feel sorry for Phillie fans if this alleged deal is real. Sanchez is a quality high-end talent. What a waste of that asset.
Congratulations to the other FOs who refused to cave to these absurd demands. No doubt some of the high-end prospects will never be stars; but refusing to trade quality and controllable talent for 1-2 year rentals is the smart strategy in this game under the current rules.
jleve618
They are clearly worried about the injuries if they are willing to deal him.
HBan22
I agree… the only way this deal is even close to worth it is if they are able to extend Realmuto.
Chicks Dig the Longball
I don’t understand why people over value prospects. There are more examples of players not being stars than being stars from these top prospect lists. If you have to opportunity to get a star for a prospect, do it.
hiflyer000
They do no doubt, but “blue chip” prospects actually have a very good rate of success, and Sixto is considered by many to be blue chip. To me any non-blue chip prospect is fair game in a trade.
cheesesteak
Sixto tried to overpower hitters in High A last year with his fastball and he got hit hard. It won’t get any easier on him until he improves his secondaries.
tharrie0820
JT realmuto is a quality high end talent. Sanchez has the POTENTIAL to be a quality high end talent. To prospects turn into busts all the time
mlb1225
They should be spending their assets on an outfielder, starting pitcher, and/or another infielder. Catcher is less of a need than either of those 3 positions.
raef715
if they sign Bryce they have him, Herrera, McCutchen…..plus Quinn/Altherr/Cozens/Listi as bench options. but get your point unless they just dont think Alfaro is going to cut it.
jleve618
Allright, I didn’t want phils to give up Sixto but I’ve come to terms with it, let’s get this show on the road.
slpdajab55
I am glad as I didn’t want the Reds to give up the farm for him. He’s a great player but he’s really only had one strong season. Good hitting catchers don’t seem to last long in this league outside of a few here and there. I’ll take my chances with Tucker Barnhart … now go get an ace and call it a day.
HBan22
As someone who has really liked the Reds approach this offseason, I’m glad they didn’t give up top prospects for Realmuto. Would have been unnecesary for them, as their offense is already one of the best in the league. They just need that one more top SP like you said. But even with the rotation they have now, they should be at least interesting.
Braveslifer
I don’t know the prospects that are being discussed, but Phillies fans do not appear too happy about the pay for Realmuto. If this scenario is true, it appears the top prospects will go to Miami for JTR. Then if the Phillies sign Machado OR Harper, they will be saddled with that albatross for up to ten years. With the flow of young talent coming through the minors on nearly all 30 teams, these BIG deals need to pay immediate dividends so this deal and the subsequent “stupid money” deal will be viewed under a microscope.
Rumncoke
Looks like Braves don’t wanna win
SomeATLFan
O so true. Its depressing…
Bluemarlin528
Why is every trade proposal for JT on MLB Trade Rumors? I would say there’s a leak in the Marlins front office… LOL
Chicks Dig the Longball
It’s called MLB Trade Rumors for a reason…
Priggs89
There’s going to be a lot of crow eating if this rumored deal goes through.
Mjm117
Best post of the week.
BasedBallGuru
“I guess Shelby Miller really WAS worth a huge haul”
That kind of crow eating?
A GMs seat just got hot, thats all.
Priggs89
More like, “I guess Jetsr and Co really did know what they were doing when they held out for a better deal.”
That kind.
BasedBallGuru
I dont think the Phillies caving makes anyone Think Jeter knows what hes doing, outside of Florida I guess. Theres already a large set of empirical evidence to the contrary.
G Vanlue
Are you really that excited by the return? At one point, the Marlins were apparently asking for Nimmo and Rosario (both) + prospects from the Mets, do you feel like this is better than that would have been? Do you not have any concerns that Sanchez is a bit risky and Alfaro has a low ceiling? I’m just not convinced this establishes Marlins management as deal-making geniuses. There seems to be a decent possibility that they get minimal MLB impact back from this trade.
Grizalt
There’s an even better chance that the Phillies don’t win a championship in the next 2 years, then Realmuto leaves and they have to face Sanchez and Alfaro playing for a division rival well into the 2020’s
Woods Rider
This is what scares me and what makes me think that a Realmuto extension must be part of the deal.
It just doesn’t seem to make much sense (to me at least) for just two years of Realmuto.
Grizalt
The Marlins didn’t let the Padres get an extension as part of a Realmuto trade. There’s no way they let the division rival Phillies do it.
And again, an extension wouldn’t make this trade any better because it would basically be market value. They don’t have to trade Sixto for Realmuto to pay him market value.
Priggs89
Am I that excited about this return? No, I’m not a Marlins or Phillies fan, so it doesn’t really affect me in any way. But I do know that this is much better than what most airmchair GM’s were willing to offer in their version of a “fair” trade.
And of course I’d have concerns about both prospects. EVERY prospect comes with concerns. That being said, Sixto has ace upside (that I doubt he reaches, personally) and is a consensus top 30 prospect in all of baseball.
And I’m not really sure why Alfaro has such a low ceiling? I see a guy who has been a top 100 prospect since like 2013, and he’s a catcher that plays solid defense, has a canon for an arm, has some solid power for the position, and actually knows how to hit a little bit. The catcher position may be as weak as it’s ever been, and with his skill set, I’d be more than comfortable with his floor/ceiling. Why do you think he has such a low ceiling?
kodion
“On a bird that size
There isn’t much meat.
So, if you want to feel fed,
Include the feathers
…and the feet!!”
🙂
Rightout
I dont care if Philly gives away there whole farm system….just trade realmutto somewhere…Im so sick about hearing for the last year he will be traded…and will some team sign Harper and Manny…this off season is a joke….deadlines for signings and trades need to happen…that said prospects are nothing more then prospects….Philly should make the trade…Realmutto is the best catcher in the league he wont and shouldnt come cheap…..
path501@yahoo.com 2
If the Phillies are going to give away the farm for a catcher then I’m going to bet they are going after a bigger bat(s) to assure their dominance in the NL East.
RiverKKiller999
Well obviously… They most likely just helped lure Harper to Philly.
Al Jab
Our long national nightmare is almost over?
PopeMarley
Not until Nancy turns over the gavel…
BrewersMVP08
watch him get traded to some random team in the end.
*JT traded to Mariners*
bernbabybern
Sixto plus Alfaro seems like a very good deal for the Marlins.
Psychguy
Great off season by Dodger management, they lose out field productivity to reduce or eliminate their luxury tax obligation. Their OF productivity is suspect and their catching situation is just plain awful.
RIPprosports
Because they lost Puig and Kemp their OF productivity is suspect? Take another look. Dodgers can win the division with what they have now. If Martin and Barnes cont to suck come AS break, we still have prospects to trade where need be. Not the end of the world if JTR isn’t wearing blue.
Psychguy
Puig a bit of a head case, but improving maturity. He was great in his role and provided similar numbers as Pollock, but without injury history. Kemp was an All Star with great first half numbers. You say they can bring in a new catcher at the break, a time when team’s often over pay because they are in the middle of a race. Dodgers had the resources to get deals done regarding Realmuto and Harper but failed. They ejected Puig and Kemp and lost Wood as well. This off season has been a failure.
RIPprosports
They were all gone after this season, and replaced as soon as they left. I’m not a Debbie Downer and hoping Martin or Barnes can get their crap together for one season. Hopefully Smith or Ruiz will be ready sooner than later.
TradeAcuna
Can’t wait for all the prospects not named Soroka and Toussaint fail at the big league level.
Grizalt
If the Phils don’t at least make it to the WS in 2019 or 2020 this deal is going to look really bad for them.
Woods Rider
Realmuto isn’t enough to make that happen. Realistically, adding Realmuto with the moves they made already definitely puts them into contention for talk of a playoff spot, but with the way the Nats and Braves are and how the Mets improved, the division is too tough I believe.
In order for the Phillies be be considered favorites for a shot at the WS (at this point in the off-season) I would think they would have to add Harper or Machado and either KIimbrel or Kuechel.
BrewersMVP08
I agree. the Nats and Braves are still great teams. even with harper or machado, I still like the braves or nats. and i’m not sold on the mets. think they are going to disappoint again.
Woods Rider
No doubt the Nats should be considered the favorites. You certainly can’t discount the Braves. They’ve got a young and explosive team. The Mets are much improved over last season for sure. It’s a flat out tough division.
Just the pitching in the division alone (Scherzer, Nola, Syndergaard, Wheeler, Arrieta, Corbin, Strasburg, and maybe even Kuchel).
Would it surprise you if the division winner came out of the season with a 90-01 win total with these teams beating up on each other? I really think the division is going to be fun to watch and very tight.
BrewersMVP08
there’s just something about the mets that makes me think they’re going to dissapoint. the Cano contract still makes zero sense to me and will be more bad than good. they could have used that money to get someone way better, and isn’t 35
G Vanlue
The Mets didn’t sign Cano to that contract, Seattle did- the Mets just assumed the remainder (getting money and salary relief from Seattle) in order to acquire Diaz.
BrewersMVP08
they aren’t even the best team in that division imo. their pitching is still not as good as the Nats. they got a sick rotation. I know the Nats underperform like every year, but on paper they’re my favorites for the division.
G Vanlue
That’s assuming that Sanchez manages to both succeed at the MLB level and to stay healthy. It’s a calculated gamble, like the Mets trading Kelenic- both high ceiling players, but also with a decent amount of risk.
Grizalt
If the Phillies don’t win a championship (or at least a NL pennant) in the next 2 years and Sanchez and Alfaro bust, the trade is a draw.
RobzPlanet
Realmuto is a proven big league player and a significant upgrade over Alfaro. Sixto is a prospect, not a sure thing. Remember Joe Savery, Philippe Aumont, Gavin Floyd, Taylor Buchholz, Scott Mathieson, Kyle Drabek… I could go on. Make the trade.
BrewersMVP08
yawn
bradthebluefish
Phillies should have went for Wilson Ramos or Yasmani Grandal than to have gone down this route.
BrewersMVP08
I think Grandal is gonna have a huge year with us. i’m excited.
HBan22
Definitely. Ramos is on par with Realmuto with the bat and didn’t cost the Mets much at all.
Juggy
An overpay? You’re kidding right? The Phillies are even lucky The marlins are taking with this overated Team. Consider this a blessing
VonPurpleHayes
This a huge overpay if true. Realmuto is legit, but Sixto is a huge prospect. Alfaro is a great defensive catcher with a nice cannon. He’s a young and has a lot of upside, obviously nowhere near Realmuto, but still giving up these two for 1 really good catcher is an overpay. Not only that, but it looks like the Marlins want 4 players in return. Crazy.
Just overpay for Harper or Machado and Keuchel rather than trading the majority of the farm system for 1 star.
bus035
I like the 3 team deal scenario. I could definitely see Dipoto (Mariners) try to swoop in on this deal and finally pry Spencer Howard away from the Phils just like he did with the Yanks/Reds deal and Shed Long. Especially since Dipoto and the Marlins have worked on a few deals the past couple of years.
The M’s really wanted Howard in the Segura trade but Klentak knew he didn’t have to give him up because there was no competition for Segura. As the Marlins are proving it pays to sit on an asset to rear up the competition in giving up very valuable controlled assets.
Juggy
If you want a good catcher this is what you have to give up. You’re not getting him for free. And there is no guarantee these prospect will pan out.. enough with the prospects.. hey news flash that’s why there are called prospects.. and over 80 %font ever work out keep that in mind. Win now, win often
nailz#4life
Sixto has arm issues. Sounds like a another great Jeter trade. Another all star for a bunch of injured and AAAA prospects like Moniak…..
national pastime
I bet the Phillies take on a contract probably Prado or Castro
Tampadelphia Ed
A prospect is just a project with potential. Realmuto is already a great catcher. Stop the infatuation with minor league players. I’ll take a major league all star any day.
David Makai
It’s like people think Alfaro is going to turn into Realmuto in 2 years and that Sixto is a lock to be a major league starter in 2 years……neither will happen! 1 single A pitcher with potential, a catcher with no bat, and another prospect for arguably the best catcher in the game for 2 whole seasons on the cheap? These people are insane calling it an overpay.
andrewgauldin
You’re right about all of that. But with that kind of mindset, you has also have to acknowledge that Realmuto very well could have the decline Lucroy is having, as soon as this year. It goes both ways. It’s an overpay if Sanchez turns into an ace and Alfaro at the very least replicated his 2018 for 5 more season. However, I understand it’s unlikely. But how likely is it that Realmuto is going to be a 4+ war player for each of the next two seasons? We don’t know.
Grizalt
I don’t think Realmuto is going to decline in the next 2 years. The main issue with him is his being 2 years out from FA and reported unwillingness to talk extension. I like this trade for the Marlins because it makes a division rival a lot weaker during the Marlins’ theoretical next window of contention.
game_over_uniform
Apparently “spending stupid money” means “spending money stupidly”?
andrewgauldin
Baseball reference lists Sixto has 6’. Could be wrong. They could be giving him an inch so it looks better on paper. However, he’s 20 years old, and still MAYBE has time to grow in height. Not to mention, he’s 3-4 inches taller than Marcus Stroman.