Report: Reds, Marlins deep in trade talks about Realmuto

The Cincinnati Reds aren't giving up on the idea of acquiring Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Cincinnati and Miami are discussing a package that includes Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart and infield prospect Jonathan India as the teams are deep into trade talks regarding Realmuto, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro.

The Marlins also remain in dialogue with the Braves, Dodgers, Padres, and Rays about the All-Star backstop, a source told Frisaro.

Wherever the Marlins decide to trade the 27-year-old, it's expected Miami will be able to deal him before spring training begins and that they'll receive two-to-four players in return, Frisaro adds.

The Marlins backstop put up career-best offensive numbers last season, hitting 21 homers, driving in 74 runs, and authoring a .825 OPS.

Barnhart, a Gold Glover in 2017, would provide the rebuilding Marlins with a veteran catcher behind the dish to replace Realmuto. He doesn't offer much with the bat (.697 career OPS) and his defense regressed last season (minus-5 in defensive runs saved), but he's under club control through 2022.

India, 22, was the fifth overall selection in the 2018 MLB draft and is ranked as the No. 53 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. Across three leagues in 2018, India showed an ability to get on base (.380 OBP) albeit in a small sample size (44 games).

Cincinnati has recently been pushing hard to acquire Realmuto, with Miami showing interest in a number of the team's top prospects, including India, infielder Nick Senzel, and outfielder Taylor Trammell.

Acquiring Realmuto, who was worth more WAR than any other qualified catcher last season, according to Fangraphs, would put a cherry on top of what has been a busy offseason for the Reds.

Cincinnati has already acquired Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Sonny Gray, Alex Wood, and Tanner Roark in trades, and reportedly signed Zach Duke on Friday.