Five Years Ago: JT Realmuto Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies

A Look Back

On this day five years ago, the Miami Marlins traded All-Star catcher JT Realmuto to the Philadelphia Phillies. The deal was one of the biggest of the 2019 offseason and sent shockwaves throughout the baseball world.

The Trade Details

The Phillies acquired Realmuto in exchange for catcher Jorge Alfaro and two pitching prospects. Realmuto was coming off a breakout season in Miami, where he had hit .277 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs. Alfaro was a former top prospect who had struggled to live up to expectations in Philadelphia. The trade was seen as a major coup for the Phillies, who were looking to upgrade their catching position. Realmuto has since become one of the best catchers in baseball, winning a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award in 2020.

The Aftermath

The trade had a significant impact on both teams. The Phillies went on to win the National League East in 2022, while the Marlins have struggled to rebuild their team. Realmuto has been a key part of the Phillies' success, while Alfaro has been a disappointment in Miami. The trade is a reminder of the importance of making the right moves in baseball. The Phillies made a bold move in acquiring Realmuto, and it has paid off handsomely. The Marlins, on the other hand, made a mistake in trading away their best player, and they have yet to recover.