Atlanta Braves: why a J.T. Realmuto pursuit makes sense… and doesn’t

It’s definitely not an open-and-shut case for the Atlanta Braves, but a signing of J.T. Realmuto would definitely be a fascinating “Win Now” move.

Normally when an “out of nowhere” rumor hits the Twitterverse, a number of reporters jump up to shoot it down.  Quite the opposite happened on Thursday… though with one beat writer more skeptical than the other:

Mark Bowman:  “…given the scarcity of power hitters available, this option does make sense, despite the fact Atlanta veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud has another year remaining on his contract. … The Braves have the financial means necessary to make a similar offer [to what the Phillies have already reportedly made].”

Dave O’Brien (subscription req’d):  “…signing a free agent to a nine-figure contract and making him one of the highest-paid players at his position (if not the highest), does not fit the Braves’ modus operandi, to say the least.  Having said all that, we go back to the point about famously covert Anthopolous making unexpected moves. This would be such a move. A very big one.”

Additional information has leaked that linked the Atlanta Braves to George Springer until he opted to sign with Toronto this week.  This was a 6 year, $25 million (AAV) deal.

Atlanta Braves looking to make a big splash?

It stands to reason that the Braves — with limited options available that could be construed as “big bat free agents” — are turning over every rock available and examining each one with care.

The Springer rumor (which arrived too late to even speculate about) was intriguing in that it represented a “1 stop shopping” solution.  Big bat, solid defense, plug-in to an empty space in the outfield… ready to roll.  While expensive, that would have been an easy fit.

Realmuto?  Not so much.

In fact, there are good reasons to sign him… and also good reasons to let him go elsewhere.  Let’s explore both sides.