As potential suitors for J.T. Realmuto continue to dwindle, Fansided’s Robert Murray tweets that the Braves are “circling” on the free-agent catcher, adding that some clubs on the west coast also remain interested in the former All-Star.
It’s a surprise to see the Braves linked to Realmuto for a number of reasons. Atlanta already has veteran Travis d’Arnaud signed for $8MM in 2021, and he’s coming off a .273/.336/.465 showing across the past two seasons. Beyond that, Realmuto has been seeking the exact type of long-term contract that Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos has eschewed since taking the reins in Atlanta.
The Braves waited out Dallas Keuchel’s market to get a one-year deal and opted not to come close to the Twins’ four-year offer when endeavoring to retain Josh Donaldson. They inked Cole Hamels on a one-year deal last winter rather than pursue a multi-year pact with Zack Wheeler or Madison Bumgarner. ESPN’s Buster Olney recently wrote recently that Marcell Ozuna is “highly unlikely” to return to Atlanta. Ozuna, of course, is seeking a lucrative multi-year deal himself.
This type of contract simply hasn’t been in the Braves’ playbook under the current front-office regime. Granted, it only takes one exception to change the narrative, but with recent reports that the Phillies have offered in the vicinity of $110MM over five years, a Realmuto-to-Braves deal would need to break the Braves’ short-term mold in rather dramatic fashion. It’s possible, too, that the Braves are “circling” — a decidedly nebulous term — to see if Realmuto opts to follow in Yasmani Grandal’s footsteps and take a one-year pact due to his dissatisfaction with multi-year offers. A high-priced one- or even two-year deal would absolutely be in the Braves’ wheelhouse, based on recent history. That’s also tough to envision when the Phillies have put forth a nine-figure offer, however.
Realmuto has been vocal in the past about his desire to advance the market for future catchers. It’s a large part of the reason he went to an arbitration hearing with the Phillies last year, arguing for a $12.4MM salary against the team’s $10MM filing number. The Phillies won that hearing, but Realmuto said afterward that he was “fighting for a cause and fighting for the rest of the catchers,” adding that he “takes pride” in fighting for future generations of players at his position. Those comments don’t make him sound like a catcher who is intent on taking much of a discount in any setting.
All of that is to say that if Realmuto were to take a short-term pact, the deal would likely have to represent a decisive new record for a catcher’s annual value. That sum currently belongs to Joe Mauer, who was paid an average of $23MM per year over his eight-year deal with the Twins. However, the Phillies are reportedly already offering close to that sum on a five-year term, which makes it tough to see Realmuto stepping back on a shorter-term arrangement. That’s especially true when the current offer from the Phils would set a catcher record in and of itself — the first ever nine-figure contract for a free-agent catcher. (Mauer and Buster Posey signed their nine-figure deals as extensions while still under club control.)
It also has to be noted that word of interest from the Braves only serves to benefit Realmuto’s camp if they’re yet looking to push the Phillies’ offer a bit further north. A five-year deal at $110MM would come in just shy of an AAV record for catchers, and topping that $23MM annual mark is surely something that’s still important to Realmuto.
The vague nature of the reporting in this instance does not indicate that Atlanta is comfortable doling out an uncharacteristic nine-figure pact, and there’d be a seismic difference between hoping Realmuto falls into their laps on a short-term, Grandal-esque contract and making a genuine run at top-of-the-market prices. Perhaps Anthopoulos and his staff believe Realmuto to be a difference-maker worth budging from their typical hardline stance against such contracts, but there’s no real evidence to support that thinking at this time.
If the Braves ultimately break character and sign Realmuto at a premium, pushing d’Arnaud to an $8MM backup or a trade candidate in the process, they’ll be a better team for it. But history doesn’t support them making an aggressive multi-year play, and it seems like a rather well-timed scenario to be broached as the division-rival Phillies appear to be in an increasingly favorable position to re-sign their star backstop.
kreckert
The Braves aren’t signing him. Maybe they’re doing their due diligence or maybe they’re playing games with the Phillies. They might want him. Who the heck wouldn’t? But they’re not going to bring him in.
Francys01
The Braves are not likely to sign JT. A team that could have a chance is the Nationals. After, signing Lester for 5 million, the team could sign him. However, I will like JT to be back with the Phillies.
RunDMC
This was an interesting tweet from Craig Mish (MIA beat writer): “GM Alex Anthopolous has always loved Realmuto so this comes as no surprise. When you can acquire a player who can change the franchise, you do it. Period.”
VonPurpleHayes
It’s just so out of character. Also the source of the rumors is FanSided which I don’t hold in high regard. I still think this is just nonsense, but AA is a GM I respect, so we’ll see.
BovineCrab
Yeah. This is a longshot. I think there is a better chance the Braves bring back Ozuna instead of signing Realmuto. There would have to be some subsequent move the Braves would already have in place involving them trading their catching depth to shore up another area of need like LF. Maybe the Braves are just jumping in to try and get Philly to spend more than they want to on Realmuto. This could just be totally bogus though. The Braves rarely leak any info like this before they make a big deal and I don’t see why they would start now if this is legit. It probably comes down to someone just wanting more followers and clicks.
iml12
They need to replace ozunas bat and the options are dwindling. Realmuto might make sense. This would also give them a few expendable trade chips.
stymeedone
This just in. JTM’s market consists of the Phillies. Period. He doesn’t want to play for the Phillies.
VonPurpleHayes
@stymeedone Correction. He wants to play for the Phillies or any team willing to pay him. He doesn’t want to settle on a deal. He wants the highest offer possible, and who can blame him for that?
stymeedone
The Phillies are the highest offer, and he still won’t sign with them. No one else is bidding. Does that sound like he wants to play in Philly?
VonPurpleHayes
@stymeedone The Phillies made an offer far lower than what Realmuto’s camp was asking for. The Phillies also made their offer about 7 days ago. He’s waiting. Maybe he gets more offers. Maybe he gets the Phillies to go higher. Players are patient unless they’re blown away with offers. It’d be foolish to sign a deal right away if you still want more. Give it time. I get that we’re impatient as fans, but jumping to ridiculous conclusions based off gut feelings seems silly to me.
stymeedone
Phillies are the only known team to have made an offer.. They have no reason to bid against themselves.. No other team with a need for a C has $23MM per to meet his lofty demand. If the Phillies have other holes to plug, he is making it more difficult for the team to be competitive as players are coming off the board daily. I’m not impatient, and I’m not a Phillies fan.. I’m drawing a reasonable conclusion based on him refusing to accept a fantastic offer, from the only team that is bidding. It may be the offer is “far lower” than he wants. Its also $110MM more than any other offer. I hope Phillie makes a trade for a C and leaves him in the breach.
VonPurpleHayes
We don’t know if it was the only offer in the pipeline. This very article claims the Braves are interested. I’m certain the Jays are at least inquiring.
Deleted_User
LOL!
VonPurpleHayes
I don’t think there’s much to this Braves rumor, and I don’t see them going over 110. Still expect to see a few teams joining the bidding, but at this point I’d be very surprised if the Phillies don’t land him.
RunDMC
AA rarely does the expected. While I would agree with you, I wouldn’t be surprised landing the best C in the game, which would allow them possibly to deal d’Arnaud (1 year remaining) coming off a great offensive year and/or 2 of their top-7 ranked prospects (C Langeliers, C William Contreras). By signing Realmuto they’d be deflating an already shallow catching market, while possibly using the inevitable DH to extend Realmuto’s above-average bat through the contract. I get it – this type of contract is not in ATL’s history, but I don’t think it’s because they couldn’t. No one really knows what they’re working with except for the tight-lipped FO.
VonPurpleHayes
It just doesn’t make sense. Travis is much younger, and based off last year, could prove to be just as valuable. Neither one of these guys can be moved to a position other than 1B, and you have one of the best there already. I don’t buy this rumor in the slightest.
RunDMC
True, but ATL doesn’t have a backup catcher yet (or DH). Why couldn’t you have 2 of some of the league’s best offensive catchers utilizing the presumable DH? Yes, you can provide a good, if not better, DH cheaper than Realmuto (Ozuna, Cruz, etc), but they could also turn around and trade d’Arnaud and have one of their prospects (Contreras?) getting some time. With Springer, Brantley off the market – and not knowing Ozuna’s price – it’s interesting to see if there could be any greater benefit. OR they could be just trying to push their rivals: WSH/PHI into a larger deal or another direction.
braves25
@RunDMC
I started thinking of a similar scenario. If AA thinks the DH is staying for 2021 then why not have Realmuto and d’naurnd both in the lineup almost everyday. They can even use Contreras as a 3rd catcher and rotate all 3…keep getting at bats as well as days off.
VonPurpleHayes
JT hates not playing. Seems unlikely, but creative decisions like this make for fun speculation. I still think the Nats are more likely to get involved than the Braves.
Yankee Clipper
I soooo hope Atlanta signs him. Trade Travis D if they so choose.
towinagain
West Coast teams involved? Realmuto and Bauer to the Angels would make alot of sense…
angels1961
Angels not signing Realmuto or Bauer.
angels fan for life
They could do it
GeoKaplan
Absolutely—the Angels need one more payroll-clogging, 9-figure deal for another position player, now that Pujols is coming off the books next year.
downsr30
People can rag on the Braves for not giving out multi year deals, but look at how those multi year deals have started with the players they let get away.
Donaldson isn’t off to a great start, Bumgarner was terrible last year, Wheeler is off to a solid start in Philly, but that was quite the price to pay for him. I’d say with the Braves young talent, they don’t need to handicap themselves with long-term risk.
Steve Adams
Not sure if that was directed at me or just baseball fans in general, but my intent certainly wasn’t to dog the Braves/Anthopoulos for an aversion to those long-term contracts. But, when looking at the possibility of them being a legitimate Realmuto suitor, it’s also vital context that can’t be overlooked.
I have a very hard time buying the Braves as a legitimate landing spot, barring a scenario where they allow him to shatter Mauer’s AAV record and sign at something like 1/30 or 2/58. Even that, of course, feels like a stretch when the Phillies are offering to make him the game’s first nine-figure, free-agent catcher.
keysox
Braves are not going to sign him. Got their catcher and two more in minors.
Just talk from agent. Braves are in on Bryant.
John Kappel
They are not in on Kris Bryant. Moreover, the Cubs are not trading him in the off season.
jbc1972
I agree… You wait til the deadline to try and move Bryant. His value is at an all time low right now. But at the same time isn’t he a FA next off-season? Its a risky situation bc if he sucks again this season and is only a rental? You’re not getting cheap for him
jimthegoat
If you want until the deadline to move him the acquiring team only gets him for 2 months and can’t QO him
iml12
If the cubs trade Bryant I hope it’s out of the NL in fact out of the country. I am talking to you Toronto.
RunDMC
Have you seen what ESPN reporting from Kris Bryant and times not having love of the game? Very interesting article. that came out ~2 hrs ago.
its_happening
Not buying that notion ESPN is trying to sell. Guy doesn’t try to battle his own team with a grievance over service time if he at times didn’t have love for the game. Perhaps he doesn’t love the Cubs. That’s more likely.
Rsox
I don’t doubt that there are several players playing that have no “love for the game”, they view at as a job and a paycheck
bravesfan
Braves aren’t gonna sign him. They won’t spend that money and we have a solid catcher. We’d be in a pickle trying to figure out where to play both. I hope the Braves go get JT, he’s a difference maker and incredibly hard out… but it isn’t happening
802Ghost
Can’t really say the Braves won’t spend money. They spend money smartly.
BravesNomad
Maybe a 2yr deal for 52-55 would get it done. Sets the mark he wants but is short in nature during our window right now. He could still return to FA as a 31 yr old and maybe make another nice payday. Just a thought.
Lurking
To leave 100M on the table as 31 year old catcher who will never see that type of money offered again, it’s gotta be a massive new record. Probably 30M a year
angels1961
Angels not signing Realmuto or Bauer do not have money. Signing Hand and Odorrizzi
bkbkbkbk
Wronnnng. They have about 26 mil and a grip of money coming off the books next year. The Angels are most certainly the favorite to sign Bauer, but almost certainly not both, unless arte got a broken heart from seeing his organs boy fail.
Halo11Fan
Bk,
1) JT is not an urgent need. They are not going to spend their ammunition on that.
2) Angels don’t leak they are interested in someone. The West Coast team isn’t the Angels.
3) We don’t know how much Arte is going to budget for this years team. Arte is not going to outbid the Dodgers… I.M.O.
4) The Angels still need at least one more BP arm.
5) After signing Quintana, I have no idea what they plan on doing with the starting rotation
bkbkbkbk
That was mostly against the idea that they’re out of the Bauer sweepstakes. Also, agree on the leaks. It’s also worth noting we don’t know Perry’s philosophy on contracts so high AAV single year deals may be on the table in a way they weren’t before. Final and most importantly point is with the new CBA coming and almost certainly a rise in the tax # there is reduced risk of the main penalty arte is trying to avoid being locked into the multitime tax violator tier.
My prediction is a 2 or 3 year Bauer deal and grabbing one of the remaining RPs on a 1 year deal at around 3-5m as ST draws near.
Halo11Fan
BK.
After the Quintana signing, I’m only guessing. That totally shocked me. Add to that the Dodgers are interested in Bauer, and I don’t like our chances
Add a high upside arm like Richards or Paxton, put Barria in the pen for insurance, sign Rosenthal to close, make Iglesias the setup man, and if another RP drops at a reasonable price, get him.
That’s what I would do, and it’s likely within budget.
bkbk
We’ll see. Arte’s firing of eppler and general public comments read like someone embarrassed by their progress/decisions. As history has showed us, Arte is an impulsive man when it comes matters of the ego. In historical context, I just cant see Arte going into 2021 having done what the general fan base would consider “business as usual” after all that.
Now that im saying that, I can see him doing something ridiculous like signing bauer and real. Think about the Pujols deal, dude went like 3 years more than anyone to show he could.
Ive talked myself from us getting Bauer to Arte doing something irresponsible. Being an Angels fan is worse than having a bad owner, mostly because they give you enough hope to ruin you.
Halo11Fan
” I just cant see Arte going into 2021 having done what the general fan base would consider “business as usual” after all that. ”
Which is why I don’t understand the Quintana signing. And what I understand even less is why so many Angel fans are happy about.
Been there… done that…
WorstThrowEver
Why would you have Rosenthal close when Iglesias is already a top 10 closer in the game? They’re not paying $9MM to him for him to be the 8th inning guy.
Halo11Fan
Iglesias wasn’t a top ten closer 2019, he was not good at all. That’s his last full season and you can’t ignore it.
Iglesias is use to pitching earlier in the game and in order to bring in a coveted reliever you have to promise him the ninth.
Rosenthal will get a multi year deal, Iglesias is a free agent next year. It’s better to have that piece in place now.
And if they don’t add an eight inning guy, this team is in trouble. You are not going to get a high quality good bet relief pitcher.
As far as the nine million bucks, yes, Iglesias may not be worth his contract.
The Angels actually need a 7th and 8th inning guy. If they dumpster dive, this team will be in trouble AGAIN…..
GeoKaplan
bk—Bauer just turned 30. He isn’t going to sign a 2-3 year deal, and re-enter the FA market at 32 or 33. He either signs a huge 1-year deal as he long said he would, or he is going for 5-7 years.
Cap & Crunch
* Worth noting Halo 11 —Iglesias was upset about not being the strict 9 th inn guy in Cin and being jacked around in the 7th/8th
So much so he might have already been assured the job this year upon signing. Not that its in stone but it would be weird to piss a guy off first month in uniform
its_happening
Wouldn’t be a surprise if the Braves sign Realmuto. AA has a track record of avoiding a LF bat to sign a catcher.
In his defense, a year from now Realmuto would be appealing and a signing could pay off for the Braves.
BobSacamano
I mean honestly I think they would be smarter to trade for older Contreras (if there’s doubt in D’Arnaud), than spend that kind of money.
We all saw what Cubs accepted for Yu..
BravesSteelersCle
AA usually doesn’t do things like this but he could be trying to drive the price up to hinder the Phillies payroll. You just never hear a leak on a pending signing of the Braves so I seriously doubt they are trying to sign him. I would love a short term deal but doubt it is the case.
VonPurpleHayes
@Cle exactly. Smart move by AA and Realmuto’s camp to try to drive Realmuto’s price up, but that’s all it is. Perhaps Braves go for a 1 or 2 year deal with high AAV, but I doubt it.
its_happening
He did it in Toronto. Signed Martin a year after signing Navarro.
stretch123
Feels like they’re trying to drive the Phillies to increase their offer…
steelerbravenation
Braves need to stop playing games and sign Freddie to his extension, bring back Melancon & trade for Bryant.
Enough is enough already
Braveslifer
It makes you wonder if the FF extension is already finished and they know their finances.
Luc 2
Doubt it, im a Nats fan so dont know much about yur gm. I know he would be in the group of RIzzo, and top GM’s. Hopefully he doesnt so we dont need to face him lol.
BraveHokie
That, or FF is willing to take less in order to get more talent around him. “I’ll take $27m/year, but if you sign, say, JTR, I’ll drop it to $25m/year.”
Fred McGriff
@steelerbravenation
What do you want to give up for Bryant?
No, to Bryant.
Braves20
It’s a longshot but not entirely improbable. d’Arnaud and JTR would make a great C/DH platoon (the DH is still very much in play) with a youngster like Jackson providing some back-up/bench strength.
Halo11Fan
Braves don’t spend that way and they have to lock up Freeman.
eyeball710
Can d’arnaud play LF?
Halo11Fan
I don’t believe a word of it.
The Braves are not interested. I can’t imagine the Padres are interested. And the other five teams on the West Coast, A’s, Angels, Dodgers, Giants and Braves are not interested.
For a second I thought the Giants, but hey have Bart.
This is just nonsense…. I.M.H.O
eyeball710
Why wouldn’t the Angels be interested?
seamaholic 2
They need pitching. If they have money to spend on a big contract, it will be Bauer without question.
Halo11Fan
They have much bigger needs. Right now their #8 hitter is Iglesias The guy who hit 373 last year.
They don’t need offense, they need pitching.
Deleted_User
Why wouldn’t the Padres be interested? Preller went super hard after JT in trade 2 offseasons ago.
jett
Similar stories were out around this time last year. When the Phillies were slow-playing JT and were planning to go to arbitration. All these stories of how, JT may look for somewhere closer to his home in Oklahoma, like Atlanta came up. Desperate attempt to milk a few more million from the Phillies. He won’t receive the record contract he was looking for.
If the rumors of a 5/110 offer are true, he may just be trying to up the figure to break Mauer’s AAV number. Kind of hard seeing any record being broken given the current FA climate. I think the Phillies would rather stretch the deal similar to DJ’s deal with the Yanks, to help with their luxury tax number. JT probably wants the higher AAV number.
Atlanta makes no sense in terms of they have catching and 2 pretty solid catching prospects that will be ready in a couple years. Realmuto is a clear upgrade over anything they currently have. But runs counterintuitive to the spending habits of the team for the last few years. Like Mike Axisa reported. It just so happens on the same day that the last possibly logical fit for JT outside of Philly (LAA) lock up their catching tandem, does interest from Atlanta just materialize. And the Braves are willing to play along if it means stretching the Phillies a little more thin in their spending abilities for future years.
iml12
Atlanta is nowhere near Oklahoma
BravesMatt
Braves sign JTR, flip d’arnaud in a package with Contreras or Langaliers + pitcher or two for Jose Ramirez
VonPurpleHayes
Why would you trade d’arnaud who had a better year than JTR last year?
BravesMatt
Because JTR and Jose Ramirez is better than Darnaud and what we have now
Rsox
Cleveland has basically gotten rid of any players that actually get paid so why would they take on $8 million in salary for d’Arnaud? If they are going to move Ramirez it is going to cost much more than that package to get him
Puxatony phil
Braves won’t sign him, they are just trying to drive up the price so the Phils don’t have money to sign other players. AA is is pretty smart and savvy GM. I could see the Nats sweeping in or maybe a dark horse like the Mariners
Hosmer for HOF
I heard on February second if you can see the groundhog’s shadow it means 3 more months of Realmuto on the market
Hosmer for HOF
People are forgetting we’re playing DH in the NL for another season so d’arnaud is more than a backup catcher if Realmuto moves there. Padres similarly added that shortstop with ROY-2 at 2B and a stacked infield. The reality of the DH in the NL is the more competitive driven teams right now are making sure they have a good DH that can play other positions. Interesting because the AL has long looked at the DH as big power hitters only.
eyeball710
The NL is playing the DH for another season?
jbc1972
As of this moment… No
NateBraves
Braves are waiting for MLB to decide on the DH. If the DH is in the NL, within 48 hours the Braves will sign Nelson Cruz.
As for the Realmuto rumor, Anthopolous always says he’s checking in and doing his due diligence with every trade candidate/free agent. The likelihood of Realmuto to Atlanta is less than 1%
Hosmer for HOF
Hate to post a third time in this article alone but what the braves should do since they’re financially flexible is pick up Cruz now for a few mil less if they could and bet on the NL having DH one more year. We’re gonna be in quarantine vibes throughout the country through the summer most likely is what everyone’s saying BUT if the NL doesn’t have a DH have an understanding with Cruz setup already and flip him for an ok prospect. Worst case scenario you have him pinch hit once a game at the time you need him most until the trade deadline where you’d get a lot more prospect capital
Steve Adams
That scenario has to work both ways, though. Even if the Braves were comfortable with the idea of being stuck with a $15MM+ pinch-hitter — I don’t think they would be, but I digress — why would Cruz sign with an NL club before he knows he could play every day? He doesn’t want to be a wildly overpaid pinch-hitter any more than the Braves want to have a wildly overpaid pinch-hitter on the books.
Hosmer for HOF
Because he’s not at a point in his career to argue how much playing time he gets tomorrow if the moneys good. I don’t know his values but most players want to win a World Series before they’re done. He’s turning 41 this year and even though David Ortiz had a very successful finish at 40-41 Cruz could decline sharp tomorrow.. The framework of where he plays should be 1) would they sign me again next year at the value of whatever I’m worth 2) could I win a World Series with them. NL probably gonna have the DH this year, go with the braves if they give you a good offer. Most other contending teams won’t sign him this offseason.
Hosmer for HOF
The braves should layer their thinking and be proactive anyways. If he’s a good short term investment I get a few more good prospects to restock my farm for half of $15M roughly or I can have a very scary DH to compete with the Dodgers Padres and some .500 team in the NL Central
DadsInDaniaBeach
Steve, speaking of the DH, it appears that MLB is playing chicken with the NLPA.. Atlanta is not the only team that needs to make a decision on their roster..I’m sure the Phillies would also want to know which direction to go re: that extra bat.
stymeedone
The sticking point with the Twins is he wants a two year contract. Doubt Atlanta wants to take a chance on two years of an expensive PH.
iml12
Cruz could just wait another week or two and not have to deal with a lowball offer or being immediately traded to a non preferred team.
Lloyd Emerson
Please let me know when anyone from that stupid Fansided site was ever considered a viable and reliable source of information.
tiger68
Detroit should really consider this option. One he would give back up at first for a strong bat. Catch 2 then first base 2 games, it will also help him with playing longer. You could then have our younger catchers learning from a good player and taking pressure off of them.
Time to let the moths out of the wallet in the D and hire a good player to motivate the young guys.
BobSacamano
I would agree.. if I was more confident in the core group of players. I just don’t see it yet, and I’m guessing that’s why they’ve yet to sign that big name.
We all saw what Pirates received for Musgrove. IMO, I would imagine Spencer could fetch a similar haul (when considering team control-salary, and production.
I imagine another trade before the “construction” of the franchise. Maybe, Candelario or Turnbull
Mrtwotone
Not gonna happen. But, they were in on JTR before the Phillies traded for him. We can dream though.
eyeball710
The idea is interesting. If the Braves were to sign JT, it opens up very quality C trade chips, which are generally hard to come by. Both Shea and Contreras are top 10 prospects in the Braves organization. That does make d’arnaud somewhat of an expensive back-up, but look at the White Sox situation last year with Grandal and McCann. 8 mil. for a back up catcher isn’t that crazy. d’arnaud would be a viable trade chip too. They can use those assets for an OF bat.
Lurking
With no DH, 8M for a backup catcher is pretty nuts dude… big difference
NBE
Realmuto is getting lowballed by the Phillies. Best catcher in baseball and they or another team won’t give him the big bucks.
Rsox
$110 million when 29 other teams are offering $0 is being low balled?
rangers13
Although would hate to see it, in TExas a sportswriter mentioned the other day that ATLANTA would be a good partner for A Gallo trade. If ATL was interested in Gallo signing Realmuto makes sense in that they could then include d’Arnaud in a trade package with Wright, Wilson, Mueller, or Toussaint and Riley for Gallo. Braves upgrade LF and C and Rangers acquire more young MLB-ready pitching and a veteran catcher to tutor Trevino and Huff.
eyeball710
That would be an extreme overpay for Gallo. In that hypothetical, yes, d’arnaud, but Wright, Wilson and Mueller. d’arnaud, Touki and Riley for Gallo, yes.
rangers13
Not all three, just one of those three with d’Arnaud.
leftcoast11 - pyramidsuccess
I would hope the halos spent all their resources on pitching.Trade for Contreras who is in the neighborhood of15 million less.
I have watched more then a few minors gms in the area around City of Champions.The halos are loaded with young arms and they have decreased their minor league system.So the minor league depth is there if we need assets like a catcher without including any of our top kids in anyone’s rankings.RH LH the numbers of arms in body count alone is exactly were we needed to go yesterday.Today we have 50 kids we don’t need or have room for anymore.
Lurking
Now this, is agent posturing 101 to me
Suddenly the Phillies division rival, the best team in the division, is going to break character and throw 25M for 5 at a catcher? A catcher who’s market seems to only be the Phillies?
Philly can’t be that dumb to believe he’s taking a 1 year deal(or the Braves are offering 120+M) can they?
DadsInDaniaBeach
Well, there is one scenario…if he decides to take a one year deal, then next year no pick attached to him..more teams would be more involved.. I hope that does not happen, but a case could be made
Lurking
For a 31 year old catcher who just had one of his finest seasons, there’s really no reason to think JTR is going to risk injury on a 1 year deal. Maybe crazy money like 30M. But I don’t see it otherwise. Way too much risk
brandons-3
I can assure you the Braves will not bring in Realmuto and the biggest reason is this report exists. For non-Braves fans, Alex Anthopoulus’ MO has been tight-lipped negotiations (something agents are aware of). Every trade or free agent signing has been announced by the club or didn’t break until it was done. The AA Braves do not use the media in their negotiation tactics. Besides the fact that it doesn’t make sense on field, this is certainly an agent trying to coax more money from another team.
Asfan0780
What west coast teams? I only see angels although they may just go with stassi/ Suzuki. Dodgers have Smith, Oakland has Murphy, and padres have Nola. Posey is coming back and they have Joey Bart long term
Rsox
We can take Oakland out of this conversation (and pretty much any conversation for any player looking for $100 million dollar contract). There is no west coast team unless DiPoto thinks that JTR could be his Ivan Rodriguez signing with the Tigers move to push Seattle closer to contention
MetsFan22
This would push the Braves closer to us.
Luc 2
WTF you guys aren’t 1. You may not be even 2, Mccann is overrated but solid. May is good but relievers are never consistent besides Mo Rivera. The Nats could be better because they actually can win unlike the Mets. Mets always screw up. When they don’t make playoffs I’m gonna think of you. If they do good job just don;t come here with stupid takes.
MetsFan22
Lol you bet I’ll be looking for you if they do good!
Luc 2
same for me. I do believe you guys can succeed its just this stuff you post makes me crack up.
rct
As a fellow Mets fan, please stop talking. Games are not won on paper. No one is chasing us.
MetsFan22
Games aren’t won on paper. But power rankings are. The Braves do not have a better roster rn. I’m not saying they can’t win the division. They could. They have shown they could win. I just don’t see them winning it this year if the rosters are similar to they are now.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Huh? I’m not a Bravo Phan, but how are they not the best team in the NLE?
MetsFan22
Nothing I have posted is unrealistic. Predicting the Mets to win the WS (I haven’t done this) inst realistic. Even if the dodgers are the team to beat… they were in 2019… Nats weren’t a better roster.
Luc 2
@MetsFan22 Imma always bring up the Nats title until you guys win lol. My goal is just to have a better record than the Mets lol
MetsFan22
Out of the teams in our division the Nats are the team I dislike the least. So there’s that.
Luc 2
LOL that makes me even more happier about 2019. Mine is Phillies but will change to the Mets when the season starts.
VonPurpleHayes
@MetsFan22 lol. You are such a good troll.
MetsFan22
How??? I’m really having a hard time understanding how the Braves are better on paper. If you told me the the Braves are worst on paper but I see them winning the division bc they have shown they could the last 3 years I’d be like ok I agree… but no Braves fan could prove with numbers that the Braves have a better roster than Mets rn.
Luc 2
ON PAPER. Key fact the Rays looked meh on paper and made it to WS. The Mets always look good on paper but never succeed tho. I feel like the Jared Porter thing kinda hit the Mets hard which will affect them a little.
philsphan1979
Phillies need to kick the tires on him already. At this point he’s making the team worse by missing out on all the top free agents. It’s almost like they backed themselves in a corner and have no choice but to play this waiting game. My thought is, if he really wanted to be here in Philly he would of signed by now. Than again, it’s just a thought
RunDMC
Kick the tires? He’s been parked in your garage and you’ve driven him for the last 2 years. What more are you going to learn by kicking tires? More like, “s— or get off the pot”.
BashBroJoe
Phillies are the only suitor at that price. MAYBE the Blue Jays swoop in.
Rsox
I think JTR’s camp are the ones letting these rumors out to create a market for JTR that isn’t there. We know the Phillies have offered $110 and are not likely to offer more when no one else is offering anything. Springer was fortunate in he had the Mets and Blue Jays to play against each other, Realmuto doesn’t have that.
DT.J.B.
JT is nowhere near the class that Mauer was when he got his big deal. There’s a reason a C hasn’t reached that AAV and Mauer is also an example of why they shouldn’t. I wouldn’t even take JT bat at the DH position, his value is being a good hitter at a premiere position,even with inflation in salaries it doesn’t add up to what he he is hoping for at all.
rct
Why would having d’Arnaud preclude them from being interested in Realmuto? d’Arnaud cannot stay healthy. He’s guaranteed to miss a huge chunk of games every year.
RunDMC
Considering ATL has no backup C or DH currently, they could rotate 2 of some of the best offensive catchers at DH or just trade d’Arnaud in a market with shallow C depth. You’re right – considering d’Arnaud is only signed through 2021 – he should not be precluding them from interest in the best C in the game, just like Dodgers having a rotation of studs, the WS trophy and the best offense from showing interest in the best free agent SP and reigning Cy Young-winner (Bauer).
TheDP
I know it will not happen but if the Braves sign JT with a DH announced in the NL and use him and Travis as a platoon to keep them fresh that would be ideal. Then go ahead just for the helluva of it and sign Ozuna to play LF and DH occasionally. And for good measure get Freddie to sign a career contract with the Braves on friendly terms. And lock down Fried and Soroka and Swanson. I would be happy. Imagine this line-up
CF Acuna
2B Albies
1B Freddie
LF Ozuna
C JT
DH Travis
3B Riley
SS Swanson
RF Pache
A Rotation of Soroka, Fried, Anderson, Morton and Smyly.
With Kyle Right and Bryce Wilson ready and in reserve
I could get excited with a line up like this one
Rsox
I’m not sure most teams would be comfortable having both Catchers in the lineup everyday so under that lineup construction the Braves would have to carry a third Catcher. Has Alex Jackson fallen out favor with the organization already?
steelerbravenation
In all honesty the Tigers should be in on him or the Mariners.
Front load the contract through the youth movement when the rotation won’t be making much money.
He would be an asset helping develop a young rotation.
BobSacamano
Maybe the Mariners, but the Tigers are more than a couple years away. I can’t imagine a 4+ year contract, until after Miggy is off the books.
IMO, the days of DET being a top ten payroll team are gone. And honestly without the payroll, the 5+ year contracts are so unstable for an organization like Detroit.
I’d rather see them play for division titles..than go all in once every 3 decades
BobSacamano
When draft day is the exciting than opening day.. the long rebuild years are for the birds
jkoko
He Ahole Braves are just trying to make the Phillies spend more
Mr. Chuck
I love this site, but nine paragraphs based on the rumor that some team is “circling.” Really?
Pax vobiscum
If Dombrowski weren’t involved I would say the Phillies wouldn’t be adding a Realmuto contract at this point. Klentak and MacPhail should have had an extension in place before the end of 2019.
krillin89
This is strictly pandering to get the Phillies to pay more. Nothing more, nothing less
JoshHolt32
Just sign already this is annoying
detroitfan69
Detroit to sign him one year deal next week.
Pax vobiscum
Detroit to sign him on a one week deal next year.
scarfish
This is an extremely well written piece
HalfBaked McBride
Phils fan and JTR fan here…..but I gotta say, if JTR and his agent aren’t happy with the reported 5/110-ish deal for the Phillies as he’s on the cusp of age 30??? Then by all means JT, go sign a one year deal and try again next year. I’m sure teams will line up for a cathcher about to turn 31 who’s looking for 5+ years and mega bucks.
Really, I think this is a lame attempt by the agent to light a little fire under DD to get him to move up the AAV numbers and I doubt it’s going to work.
A 5 year deal in Philly, with his buddies Bryce and Rhys, during an insane global pandemic, is literally the best deal he could hope for.
Whatever….I’m just a fan who loves baseball and by Phillies no matter what. SImply because Baseball is the most perfect sport out there and it’s in my blood.
acmeants
1) Braves need to get Freeman’s extension done first.
2) Obviously, whatever they have left in the budget can be used to sign a bat for 2-3 years tops at $50-$60 mil. If Ozuna or Realmuto won’t go for a deal like that they can look elsewhere for a trade.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
I’m going to take a wild chance and say the Phillies don’t sign him… I think if he were a shoe-in for Philly, he’d be signed by now. I just think some other team is involved. Maybe not the Braves, but some other team.
Phillies are in bad shape if he doesn’t return. They’re a .500 team with him. Without, who knows.
Spare Tire Dixon
They are just messing with his price to get at the Phillies. The Braves do need to get something done for a bat though.