Nationals reportedly interested in J.T. Realmuto

Could Realmuto end up in D.C.? Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Nationals reportedly interested in All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/19/20

J.T. Realmuto is arguably the best player still available in Major League Baseball free agency. A number of teams are reportedly interested in the Gold Glove catcher, but another team has just thrown its name in the ring.

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the Washington Nationals are interested in signing Realmuto. However, it's unclear if the Nats' ownership group would approve a deal for the former Philadelphia Phillies star.

The Nats have interest in J.T. Realmuto. But it will come down to whether the Lerners approve the expenditure. Their payroll has been relatively high but they have their limits. @Britt_Ghiroli on this
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 19, 2020

Realmuto is the best free-agent catcher available this offseason and won't come cheap after two solid seasons in Philly. The 29-year-old averaged .273 at the plate with 115 RBI and 36 home runs in two years with the franchise.

The Nationals have some strong competition in the Realmuto market. The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees are among a number of teams that have been linked to the 29-year-old this offseason. Even the New York Mets were linked to him before signing James McCann.

There's always the possibility that Realmuto re-signs with the Phillies, but it was reported in November that Philadelphia wouldn't be able to sign him due to coronavirus-related losses totaling nearly $2 billion.

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