Houston Astros Rumors: The final trade package that will land JT Realmuto

Examining the Astros need at catcher

After filling out the rotation, finding a good catcher should be the next highest thing on the team’s priority list. The Houston Astros claimed Chris Herrmann off of waivers from the Mariners but then decided to non-tender him. So, that leaves the team with Max Stassi and Garrett Stubbs as the only catchers on the 40 man roster.

Stassi had a hot start to the 2018 season but quickly fell out of favor for his inability to manage a game the way the Astros pitchers needed him to. Stubbs has intriguing potential but is unproven and likely to start the year in AAA. That leaves only external options to fill the void behind the plate left by Brian McCann and Martin Maldonado.

A good catcher could elevate the team enough to return them to the World Series. A catcher that can provide an offensive and defensive boost is a rare find. Yasmani Grandal is capable but he has a declined qualifying offer hanging over his head. Wilson Ramos is a great offensive catcher but is a lesser defensive catcher. That really only leaves one surefire option, a costly one at that, but acquiring J.T. Realmuto is the way the Astros should go.

The Marlins are holding out for a top prospect in return for their star catcher who is regarded as the best in the game. The Nationals were endlessly linked but have since acquired two other catchers. The Braves were linked but have signed McCann to go with Trey Flowers. So, that leaves the Astros as one of the only serious contenders, which could play in their favor but Miami has been stubborn and will likely remain stubborn on their asking price.

As I mentioned early, the asking price is high but the Astros need to pursue Realmuto. It will take a top prospect and some other highly regarded guys. But getting the game’s top catcher with two years left of controllability isn’t an easy thing. So, let’s take a look at the haul the Marlins would take to finally give up Realmuto.