MLB Rumors: New York Yankees Should Consider Marlins’ J.T. Realmuto

Sep 28, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto (11) and pitcher Nick Wittgren (64) celebrate the 8-1 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

With the MLB rumor-mill in full effect, the New York Yankees will be no exception in regard to potential trades and news. In this specific case, we will review Gary Sanchez and if he is the best option at catcher for the Bombers.

Sanchez had a historically bad 2018 season, finishing with a .186 batting average over 89 games and 232 at-bats. He hit a serviceable 18 homers but only had 60 total hits on the year. Overall, he surived on his power (homers) which accounted for nearly a third of his hit total.

In 2017, Sanchez was far better, hitting .278 with 33 home runs. There’s no doubt he has the potential to be great, but is it worth testing our luck with him again. Maybe, it would be more efficient to bring in a consistent veteran and use Sanchez has a rotational catcher while he improves his defense.

Who should the New York Yankees consider at catcher?

Marlins’ J.T. Realmuto has been linked to the New York Mets through a three-way trade that would include Noah Syndergaard and Miguel Andujar. But, Realmuto could be a better option for the Yankees.

The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo has reported that the Marlins have lowered the asking price on their star catcher. The Yankees could choose to give up Andujar for the catcher, but I would advise against that deal. It seems if the only real possibility for a Realmuto deal would be through a multi-team trade.

General manager Brian Cashman was asked about Sanchez and if they still believe in him moving forward:

Is Gary Sanchez expected to be the Yankees’ primary catcher?

“In short, yes.”

“Cashman said ‘that’s the plan’ when asked if he believes Sanchez will be the team’s main backstop next year. There had been speculation that the Yankees could obtain Realmuto, the better defender, stick him behind the plate and make Sanchez a regular DH and backup catcher.”

Overall, Realmuto is a far better defender and a better hitter, but he would come at a steep cost. At 27 years-old, J.T. is still in his prime and coming off a monetarily great deal with the Marlins. He will be looking to get paid and the Yankees are notorious for splashing the cash.

Cashman did reiterate that Sanchez is more than capable of managing the bullpen:

Cashman: “I think he’s an exceptional game caller. In terms of running our game plan and handling our pitching staff, I think it’s terrific. In one area, blocking pitches with a staff that has guys who come out of the bullpen who throw a lot harder than most. That’s really the only deficiency. He’s got a cannon arm. We do have guys that are slower to the plate, so he’s the equalizer on that.”

It seems as if the Yankees are keen on sticking with their current man behind the plate, but I wouldn’t rule out any possibility with Cashman. He’s one of the more sneaky GMs when it comes to working the free agent market.