This is a critical point of the season for the Minnesota Twins. As we inch closer to the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline, the next few weeks will determine whether the Twins will be buyers or sellers on this year’s trade market.
Whether the Minnesota Twins are buying or selling, one player they should at least check in on is J.T. Realmuto. The Miami Marlins catcher is easily the top backstop expected to be on the market.
Realmuto is an above-average offensive catcher who has shown that he can handle an ever-changing rotation with the Marlins. Minnesota still has Jason Castro under contract for the 2019 season and Castro is highly regarded defensively.
However, Realmuto brings more to the table with his bat than Castro and will get the job done defensively. He hit .290 with 28 home runs and 113 runs batted in during the last two seasons. Even better, Realmuto has played in 278 games during that time so durability is not an issue.
Why the Twins should trade for Realmuto
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This is a trade that makes sense for either scenario the Minnesota Twins find themselves in by the end of July. Realmuto will add much-needed production to the lineup and would help the team in a playoff push. However, if Minnesota finds themselves out of playoff contention, Realmuto also comes along with two more seasons of arbitration.
Let’s face it, the Twins future at the catcher position is cloudy at best. Bobby Wilson is a journeyman. Mitch Garver has offensive potential but offers little hope defensively. The depth throughout the Minor League system is thin too and the position needs to be addressed if the Twins want to be successful long-term.
Realmuto is hitting .300 with nine home runs and 27 extra-base hits total during this season. He’s only now hitting the prime of his career. Although Minnesota will have to part with a couple of high-end prospects, it’s a cheap price for a player who could be a stalwart at the position for many years to come.
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This would be a bold move to make for Minnesota but would pay huge dividends in the long run. The organization can afford to lose a prospect or two if it means solidifying one of the most important positions on the diamond.