Mets catching rumors: still aggressive on Realmuto, three-team deal less likely, checking in on Grandal and Ramos

Last night, news broke that the Mets were exploring a three-team deal with the Marlins and the Yankees that would potentially put J.T. Realmuto in Queens and Noah Syndergaard in pinstripes, with prospects also changing hands. These rumors persisted throughout the day today, with Miguel Andujar’s name also being mentioned as a possible piece of the deal; the Yankees are reportedly open to moving him. The Yankees are also reportedly interested in all of the Mets’ young pitching, widening the speculation to other members of the Mets rotation beyond Syndergaard.

The Mets are still “very aggressive” on Realmuto, but the possibility of a three-way trade has been downplayed of late. The Mets are still pursuing acquiring Realmuto directly, however. On the Marlins’ end, there is increasing confidence that a deal of some kind will get done this week. The Miami Herald reports that it was Derek Jeter who insisted on a major league piece being part of the return for Realmuto, rather than a package consisting entirely of prospects. The Marlins’ price appears not to have dropped yet. The Marlins are reportedly asking for Amed Rosario and another player—Brandon Nimmo’s name continues to be brought up.

Amongst all the Realmuto talk, the Mets are still exploring their options at the catching position. Yasmani Grandal has been reported as a “strong possibility,” should the Mets not land Realmuto. The Mets also met with Wilson Ramos, who is in attendance at the Winter Meetings, despite previous reports that the Mets were concerned about his defensive capabilities behind the plate.

Nonetheless, it is clear that Realmuto remains Brodie Van Wagenen’s top target at catcher. “It sounds to me...that the Mets are the team,” Ken Rosenthal said on MLB Network. “They are pushing this the hardest. They want him the most. And they’re going to find a way to get him.”