Los Angeles Dodgers: Why a trade for J.T. Realmuto won’t happen
By Jason Reed
1. The price of J.T. Realmuto is too steep
One of the things that makes J.T. Realmuto such an interesting target is the fact that he is under arbitration and really would not have any impact on the payroll over the next two years. However, since that price is so low, the asking price for Realmuto is so high.
I have seen several different trade packages reported for Realmuto. While none of these are obviously set in stone, it does give an indication of how much he will cost.
In order to make that move to get Realmuto, #Dodgers would have to likely give up Verdugo, Dustin May, and catching prospect Will Smith according to sources
— Chris Camello (@Chris_Camello) November 15, 2018
That price actually is not that bad but that is still more than the Dodgers were willing to give up for Manny Machado. If the Dodgers could throw Matt Kemp into that deal to open the way for a Bryce Harper contract then I am all for that. If not, well, I am not sure.
It's being reported that the #Dodgers would need to include Cody Bellinger and either Yasiel Puig or Alex Verdugo in their package if they want to acquire J.T. Realmuto.https://t.co/KtQ7hnStpK pic.twitter.com/qTwAmkKpIJ
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) November 16, 2018
Now that is just silly. I love Max Muncy but he does not make up the massive hole that Cody Bellinger leaves behind. I would be okay with dealing Yasiel Puig if Harper was a lock to come to LA but trading Puig AND Verdugo is just silly.
I guess there are certain things that could push the Dodgers to send that kind of package, like Harper or Kemp, but I really do not see the team being willing to give up that much for a catcher that is only a slight upgrade from Yasmani Grandal.
If the collective asking price lowers and the Dodgers can get a deal done for a lower price than this is possible. However, if the Marlins are stubborn in asking the Dodgers for the biggest return then sorry, this isn’t the deal to make.