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The J.T. Realmuto saga finally came to an end on Thursday when the Miami Marlins dealt him within the division to the Philadelphia Phillies for a prospects package. As a Braves fan you were either up in arms that Atlanta let an upgrade go to a division rival or you breathed a sigh of relief that they didn’t cash in several of their top prospects for what could amount to just two years of Realmuto.
In regards to the trade, Atlanta was willing to part with multiple prospects but backed away when the volume exceeded their comfort zone according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
Regarding Realmuto, the Braves made it clear each of their prospects were available. The Marlins' primary interest was Austin Riley. Atlanta was willing to include multiple prospects, but backed away when the volume of the ask exceeded their comfort level.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 7, 2019
Per, Bowman, the Marlins’ primary interest centered on third baseman Austin Riley. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos recently commented on Riley at the Rome Braves’ annual hot stove event. That some in the organization compare Riley to Troy Glaus and when you hear that, he becomes a hard guy to move.
Atlanta may in fact have been willing to move Riley in a deal to acquire Realmuto but they weren’t comfortable at the additional pieces that the Marlins were apparently asking for.
It is apparent that Anthopoulos is playing the long game here and is reluctant to part with any pieces that could jeopardize the team’s long term future. However, at some point, decisions are going to have to be made and holes will have to be filled. We just don’t know when that moment might actually come.