Washington: J.T. Realmuto to Nationals rumors might intensify now
With word dropping the Philadelphia Phillies have no money, does this move the Washington Nationals to the front of the line in the J.T. Realmuto derby?
The slow moving free agent marked needed some kind of jolt to jumpstart the rumors again. Maybe this will do it. Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton went public to say his team suffered massive financial losses following the pandemic shortened season and are unlikely to pursue any high priced talent this offseason. He was specific when it came to re-signing free agent catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Does this meant the Washington Nationals are now the frontrunners to sign Realmuto? Will Mike Rizzo be in position to claim the high priced catcher, or will the Lerner Family come out next saying they have no money either?
The Phillies were the incumbent in going after Realmuto and perceived to have had a leg up. Since before free agency began Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper has been voicing his wishes the team needs to bring back Realmuto, where he has spent the past two seasons.
The New York Mets and their deep pockets could well be the frontrunner for the services of Realmuto. They have also been tied to Yadier Molina, if he chooses to leave the St. Louis Cardinals.
The offseason has been quiet for the Nationals on all fronts, especially the catching market. The Nats were interested in the services of Realmuto a couple years ago when they had trade discussions with the Miami Marlins, who opted to trade J.T. to the Phillies. Are the Nationals the team lurking in the weeds to sign Realmuto this offseason?
My inkling is the same now as it was prior to free agency. No, they are not lurking in the weeds. With the Nationals having so many holes on their roster I don’t see them spending the $100M plus to lock down Realmuto. He may be on the wish list, though, I think the Nats allocate those funds elsewhere.
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We are bound to hear things heat up on the rumor mill as the calendar turns to December. WIth the Phillies presumably out of the running for J.T. Realmuto, we could start to hear the Nationals name mentioned some in their place.