If the Mets plan on adding a catcher this offseason, they may not need to look any further than within their own division.
Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto has no intention of signing an extension with the Marlins, according to his agent, Jeff Berry.
"I think he will definitely be wearing a different uniform by the start of spring training," Berry said Tuesday on SiriusXM radio.
"I think it makes sense. ... if you're the Marlins, J.T., he's informed the Marlins ownership, the front office he's not going to sign an extension in Miami. From that standpoint you can keep him for two years or not. It makes sense, when you have one of the most valuable trade assets in baseball, to move him."
Realmuto, 27, is one of the better hitting catchers in the majors. He hit .277 with 21 home runs, 74 RBI and earned his first career All-Star appearance last season.
J.T. Realmuto's agent, Jeff Berry, says his client has told the #Marlins, "he's not going to sign an extension in Miami." Berry also expects Realmuto to be traded before Spring Training. #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/1WiRU1biNw
- MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) October 30, 2018
He also demanded a trade last summer, but the Marlins failed to move him before the deadline.
Realmuto remains under control for two more years before becoming a free agent, but is eligible for arbitration this offseason and in 2020.
The Mets, meanwhile, are thin at catcher with Travis d'Arnaud eligible for arbitration but coming off Tommy John surgery.
Kevin Plawecki and Devin Mesoraco mostly filled in for d'Arnaud last season, with Mesoraco entering free agency this winter.
New GM Brodie Van Wagenen said on an interview with WFAN on Tuesday that he plans to be aggressive in the offseason, which includes approaching teams for trades.
"I think we're going to be aggressive in talking to all players, and frankly, be aggressive in talking to other teams about looking at some players that we're interested in and find a match in terms of trades," he said.
Van Wagenen also used to be colleagues with Berry at CAA, which could potentially go a long way.
Although, it is ultimately up to the Marlins and their front office to pull the trigger on any deals involving Realmuto.