by More dots are connecting the Yankees to a possible pursuit of Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.
On the surface, the idea of the Yankees swapping Gary Sanchez for Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto this coming offseason makes some sense.
That’s likely why Fancred Sports’ Jon Heyman has written about the idea on two separate occasions.
But despite what may look like an interesting and smart play for one of baseball’s best catchers, the Yankees should balk at the idea of swapping Sanchez for Realmuto–if it’s presented this coming winter.
Here’s why.
Sanchez’s ceiling is higher: Yes, Realmuto is good. The Marlins star is arguably baseball’s best catcher right now. Heading into play on August 17, Realmuto owns a 138 OPS+ and has been worth a career high 3.8 WAR despite playing in only 93 games.
But let’s not forget what Sanchez did in 2016 and 2017. Across his age 23-24 seasons, Sanchez blasted 53 home runs and posted a 139 OPS+. There’s Mike Piazza-level power here at the catching position. It’s too rare to ignore.
Selling low: As Heyman alluded to Sanchez would be part of a larger package for Realmuto. That would mean surrendering Sanchez, off a down year (.188 AVG, 86 OPS+), plus more to land a player currently performing better. If Sanchez was at his peak, a one-for-one trade would be debatable. If he was hitting 40-plus home runs, perhaps the Marlins would have to add more to a potential deal. Moving on from Sanchez at his worst isn’t a smart play.
Extra years matter: Realmuto is under contract through 2020. Sanchez is under contract through 2022. As the Yankees try to plan out their budget for the next five-or-so years, that’s a big difference.
Catchers rarely age well: Realmuto, while not old, is 27. Sanchez is 25. For every Ivan Rodriguez that hits and hits until the late stages of his career, many high-level catchers fall off offensively. Despite what the current optics look like, it’s not crazy to believe that Sanchez’s age 26-29 seasons are better than Realmuto’s age 28-31 seasons.
Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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