Last season, Kurt Suzuki and Tyler Flowers combined to give the Braves the production of one super catcher offensively. Things have not gone the same way in 2018.
Suzuki is 34-years old and Flowers is 32-years old. Both are entering their last seasons under contract with the Braves. Suzuki has just been okay with the bat but has struggled defensively. Flowers is a great pitch framer but has been lacking offensively and defensively this season.
With all of this being said, it makes sense why Alex Anthopolous reportedly had serious interest in Realmuto at the trade deadline. Realmuto has been the best catcher in baseball this season and is not a free agent until 2021. He would be affordable and a very viable option to lock down the most top-heavy position in baseball. Derek Jeter and company have to at least be enticed with the amount of young talent the Braves have on the farm as the Fish begin their rebuild process. The asking price will be very high.
William Contreras looks like he can be an incredible prospect, but acquiring Realmuto buys him time and does not put too much pressure on him to be the “catcher of the future.” He just got promoted to A+ ball and the Braves window to compete is opening now. Expect the Braves to be in on Realmuto talks this winter.