Baseball: Michael hill expect offers for Realmuto

Jeff Berry, the agent for Realmuto, is predicting a trade by spring training. To which Hill said, "Agents can say whatever they want to say. J.T. knows how we feel about him."

Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill says he won't be surprised to get some tempting trade offers for All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto.

But Hill stopped well short of saying he envisioned moving the five-year veteran, a career .279 hitter and one of few veterans remaining after the entire Marlins outfield was dealt before last season.

Jeff Berry, the agent for Realmuto, is predicting a trade by spring training. To which Hill said, "Agents can say whatever they want to say. J.T. knows how we feel about him."

There were rumours before and during last season that Realmuto would go to the Washington Nationals, though the asking price was said to be high.

The catcher has reportedly told the Marlins he won't sign a long-term contract with them.

Hill said any conversations along those lines would stay "in-house."

"J.T. is obviously a very talented player," Hill said. "I would expect there will be interest in a lot of our talented players. It's our job to go there with an open mind of how we improve."

Last season, Realmuto hit .277, with an on-base percentage of .340. His 21 home runs and 74 RBIs were career highs.

(With inputs from agencies.)