Needing to find a partner for Matt Wieters, could the Washington Nationals trade for J.T. Realmuto? Here is a closer look.
The Washington Nationals need help behind the plate.
During the Winter Meetings last month, the Miami Marlins unloaded all their stars including Dee Gordon, Giancarlo Stanton, and Marcell Ozuna as part of the new ownership groups rebuilding plans.
Shortly after, they declared that remaining stars J.T. Realmuto and Christian Yelich were off limits. In the last week, the Marlins have reversed course on that stance and that could be good for the Nationals.
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With Realmuto possibly available, the Nationals could have the talent to get one of the premier catchers in baseball. Last season, Realmuto ranked sixth defensively throwing out 32 percent of the 78 attempted baserunners and five pickoffs.
At age 26, Realmuto is still under team control for another four seasons. With a salary of only $562,500, his contract is very team friendly to the Nationals.
The Marlins also could benefit from a trade with the Nationals.
After unloading Ozuna and Stanton, they need outfielders. The Nationals have a plethora of in the organization.
One player that could make this deal a win-win for both teams is Brian Goodwin. He had a tremendous breakout season in 2017.
In 251 at-bats, Goodwin batted .251 with 13 home runs, a triple, 21 doubles and six stolen bases. Goodwin ended up missing the last 44 games of the regular season due to a left groin strain. He would return for the NLDS against the Cubs but he did not record any plate appearances.
Where the Marlins could benefit from Brian Goodwin is his defensive ability.
Last season in 69 games Goodwin had a .984 fielding percentage and 118 putouts with five assists in 125 chances. At 26, Goodwin is just now beginning to blossom into the talent that was regarded the Nationals top prospect for years.
The Nationals benefit from Realmuto as he would be an all-around upgrade from incumbent starter Matt Wieters, who instituted his player option for $10.5 million at the end of the season.
Wieters, who has been on the decline, ranked 17th with Realmuto in dWAR. But, he did not have the offensive stats the Marlins catcher had.
Realmuto batted .278 with 17 homers and 65 RBI in 532 at-bats. Wieters hit .223 with 10 home runs and 52 RBI in 422 at-bats.
That would be a modest addition especially for a team whose bats went silent in the NLDS.
Another concern with Wieters is health. Last season Wieters missed time due to back and knee injuries. He is also 31, which is about the time catchers begin transitioning to other positions such as designated hitter or first base.
If the Marlins do decide to trade Realmuto ,there may be no better trade than for Goodwin of the Washington Nationals. A reliable young catcher for the Nationals and a budding outfielder for the Marlins. Win-win for all involved.