Phillies trade for Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto

J.T. Realmuto, the Miami Marlins' All-Star catcher was traded Thursday to the Philadelphia Phillies for catcher Jorge Alfaro, two pitching prospects and $250,000 in international signing bonus pool allocation.

Along with Alfaro, the Phillies gave up 20-year-old righthander Sixto Sanchez, their top prospect, and lefthander Will Stewart.

"This is about us acquiring the best catcher in baseball," Phillies General Manager Matt Klentak said, "and we're really excited about that."

Realmuto's agent, Jeff Berry, predicted a trade after Realmuto informed the Marlins last fall he wouldn't sign a long-term contract with them.

Realmuto, who turns 28 in March, was a first-time All-Star in his fourth season last year. He hit .277 and set career highs with 21 homers, 74 RBI and an OPS of .825. Realmuto was in his second season of arbitration eligibility this winter. He will make $5.9 million in 2019 and can become a free agent after the 2020 season.

"We did not have to trade J.T.," said Michael Hill, Marlins president of baseball operations. "But our goal is to build a long-term sustainable championship organization."

The deal could vault the Phillies into playoff contention, and they're still pursuing free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. They bolstered their lineup earlier with the additions of shortstop Jean Segura and 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen.

Sanchez, a Dominican with a 100-mph fastball and excellent command, has a 2.48 ERA in 48 minor league games over four seasons.

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