According to Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, the Yankees are "among many teams that have showed interest," in the 2018 All-Star, who some have tabbed as the best catcher in baseball.
Gary Sanchez, an All-Star and Silver Slugger in 2017, remains firmly in the Yankees' future plans, even after his disappointing 2018 season, making it difficult to imagine a scenario in which Realmuto would end up in pinstripes.
Per Heyman, Yankees front office members "still hold Gary Sanchez in high enough regard that they have resisted offering other top pieces in a package with Sanchez. The Marlins, who are run by ex-Yankee types (Derek Jeter, Gary Denbo) seem to like Sanchez as well but are hoping for a major package for Realmuto."
In 125 games last season with Miami, Realmuto slashed .277/.340/.484 with 21 homers, 74 RBIs, 30 doubles and 74 runs scored. In comparison, Sanchez collected 18 homers and 53 RBIs in just 89 games, while his .186 batting average marked a career-low.
When asked about Sanchez's availability, however, Yankees front office members have made it rather clear that Sanchez's future remains in the Bronx.
"I'm already getting phone calls, to be honest, of clubs trying to see if he's available, and he's not," Brian Cashman said of Sanchez last month.
Hal Steinbrenner also recently confirmed Sanchez was not a concern heading into 2019, adding, "When he's on, I think he's the best hitter on your club."
As is the case across the league during free agency, posturing is a big part of the process, so perhaps the Yankees are doing what they can to keep Realmuto from ending up in the hands of, say, the Boston Red Sox, who are also linked to the 27-year-old backstop.
"The Red Sox' catching situation is solid defensively but Realmuto would make baseball's best lineup even better (plus his old friend Andy Barkett is with Boston now as assistant hitting coach; he managed Realmuto in Double A)," Heyman writes. "However, it is hard to see what the Red Sox could offer in the way of prospects and young players."
The Yankees are widely expected to be among the most active players this MLB offseason, but Realmuto, while immensely talented, does not immediately appear to be a fit for the Bombers barring other moves.
Stay tuned for the latest news and developments as the hot stove continues to sizzle.
