Report: Mets, Phillies talking to Marlins about Realmuto

The trade market for Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto continues to heat up, as a pair of division rivals have been checking in on his availability.

The New York Mets reportedly contacted the Marlins about a possible deal for Realmuto and are seriously considering offering a package centered around outfielder Brandon Nimmo, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Nimmo, 25, broke out in a big way in 2018. The former first-rounder batted .263/.404/.483 with 17 home runs, 28 doubles, and 47 RBIs. Among qualified batters in the National League, only Joey Votto reached base at a better clip.

The Philadelphia Phillies have likewise joined the Realmuto sweepstakes, though they're considered long shots at the moment, Craig Mish of SiriusXM reports.

Both teams could stand to improve behind the plate. The Mets, as currently constructed, have Kevin Plawecki, Tomas Nido, and Travis d'Arnaud as their options at the position. The Phillies, meanwhile, lost Wilson Ramos to free agency and appear poised to hand the reins over to 25-year-old Jorge Alfaro.

The 27-year-old Realmuto missed the first few weeks of the 2018 season but started hitting upon his activation. He batted .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs, 30 doubles, and 74 RBIs in 125 games.

Entering his second year of arbitration eligibility, Realmuto won't be able to become a free agent until 2021.

Interest in Realmuto has been robust since his agent predicted he wouldn't enter spring training as a member of the Marlins. Fourteen teams have already kicked the tires on acquiring the All-Star, Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports reports.