MLB trade rumors: Marlins listening on Christian Yelich, J.T. Realmuto

The Marlins are in “active trade discussions” with multiple clubs regarding both Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Morosi’s sources say the “asking price“ for both Yelich and Realmuto “remains high” and any deals involving them are not close. The asking price is understandable because the pair of 26-year-olds are young, quality players who are under control.

Yelich, a left-hand hitting outfielder, hit 18 home runs with 81 RBI while slashing .282/.369/..439 in 156 games. In addition, he has four years, $46.5 million left on his contract and has a $15 million club option for 2022. Yelich also has a buyout of $1.25 million if a team does not pick up his option.

Realmuto, a right-hand hitting catcher, smacked 17 homers with 65 RBI while slashing .278/.332/.451 in 141 games. Among catchers, Realmuto finished in the top three in batting average, runs, hits, doubles, triples, at bats, stolen bases, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. As far as his contract, Realmuto is up for arbitration and is projected to make about $4.2 million next season.

Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald says that both Yelich and Realmuto are not happy with the Marlins’ direction after they dealt star Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna and Dee Gordon recently in an attempt to shred payroll. The Marlins have reportedly want to get their payroll down to $90 million.

Spencer says the Cardinals, Braves, Padres and Diamondbacks are reportedly interested in Yelich. Teams interested in Realmuto have yet to be known.