This is the most likely truth. But AA seems to have always wanted JTR
If this is more than just a basic check-in, I'm guessing the Braves would rotate TD and JT as catcher/DH.
Acuna RF - Freeman 1B - J.T. Realmuto C/DH - d'Arnaud DH/C - Albies 2B - Swanson SS - Riley 3B - ? LF - Pache CF is absurd no matter who they put at LF.
So weird, though. It's likely just them checking in on him.
Only thing i'll say with Realmuto is... There isnt a ton of big salaries on the Braves books. Even if they pay Freeman. Acuna/Albies deals are such bonkers, it allows AA to make a big move or two. But he's typically the 1-year special kinda GM. But maybe he sees an opening for Realmuto. My guess is this to just drive up the price, but if AA can get Realmuto, you figure out the rest later on.
Only thing i'll say with Realmuto is... There isnt a ton of big salaries on the Braves books. Even if they pay Freeman. Acuna/Albies deals are such bonkers, it allows AA to make a big move or two. But he's typically the 1-year special kinda GM. But maybe he sees an opening for Realmuto. My guess is this to just drive up the price, but if AA can get Realmuto, you figure out the rest later on.
we know that AA was heavily involved in the trade market for realmuto.
What if he wants to play for a winner? 4/100 ?
If we think there is a DH it makes some sense. Probably makes it more likely that Realmuto is good in age 34, 35, etc seasons.
Like others said, it frees up a big trade trip in our system. Plus when you replace TDA with a Contreras next year, then you have some savings.
I don't see it happening. I'm not sure of a single rumor during the AA period that ever came to pass.
Signing Reamuto would really be out of left field
I mean, he's the most valuable player available so I'm not against it. You get the best available and go with it but damn that'd be a surprise.
With TDA a FA after the season this makes a little more sense. You can have Contreras on the roster as a third catcher, or let him go to AAA for a full season and bring him up next season
Rosters are going back to 25-26 next year, so i dont think you can carry 3 catchers.
I'd rather just get Ozuna back but just hope AA adds "someone" capable who can hit or two. Realmuto would be a stunner though.
If they were to get JTR, my guess is they'd go with a LHH in LF....Maybe Pederson?
Signing Reamuto would really be out of left field