I have said many times that I believe JT Realmuto’s time in Philadelphia is over. Why? A feeling.
He really doesn’t seem in a rush to sign at Philly after they gave him a lower salary in arbitration. He is now a free agent and there is no indication that the Phillies, who are determined to keep him at all costs, will be successful in signing him in the long term.
For a while, I mention that the chances of seeing Realmuto signing in New York are good. The Mets or the Yankees?
I don’t have the answer.
That said, it seems increasingly clear that both clubs, without necessarily being assured of signing him (there are other options for Realmuto, like the Angels), will be there.
We have known for a long time that the Mets will be there. With Steve Cohen at the helm of the Mets, the money will flow this winter as the new owner wants to improve his new club. We knew that.
But according to Steve Phillips, former GM of the Mets, it should come as no surprise to see the Yankees in the race.
In his eyes, he will get at least $ 100 million, despite the pandemic. Even though the Yankees are wealthy, the desire to stay under the cap is important and I don’t think going for Realmuto fits that need.
And this, even if Gary Sanchez was really pocket in 2020.
Signing Realmuto would mean the Yankees would have given up on DJ LeMahieu because the club probably won’t want to afford both. And since I don’t see that happening, I think the Mets may have a head start to keep him in the National League East.
To be continued.
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