Now that DJ LeMahieu and George Springer have found a new home, there aren't that many top-notch free agents remaining in Major League Baseball. Trevor Bauer, Marcell Ozuna, and Jackie Bradley Jr are just some of the few names worthy of keeping tabs on right now.
But if we talk about the players that could make a huge difference right away, we should definitely mention JT Realmuto, considered by most as the best catcher in the world right now, and for very good reasons.
Realmuto isn't just a defensive standout - perhaps the best on his position along with Yadier Molina - but he's also an elite offensive player for his position, and that's why he's taking that much time to make up his mind about his future.
Atlanta Braves Join The Race To Sign All-Star Catcher JT Realmuto
So, just when it seemed like the Philadelphia Phillies were leading the race to re-sign him, now the Atlanta Braves have also swooped in and look to make him a big offer to lure him out of the City of Brotherly Love, according to FanSided's Robert Murray:
"(Atlanta) Braves circling on free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto, according to league sources. Other teams on the west coast are expressing interest," Murray tweeted.
JT Realmuto is reportedly looking to sign a deal north of $110 million through five years, which could make things tricky considering how many teams are wary of spending big bucks following the Covid-19 pandemic and the big losses they suffered throughout the shortened season.
That's why all those 'West Coast' teams aren't likely to seriously pursue him, especially given they have other needs to address. The Braves and Phillies, though, believe that he's worthy of that steep price, and I won't be the one to disagree with that assessment.
