5 targets for the New York Yankees this winter

J.T Realmuto

JT Realmuto

As many have suggested, Yankees can make a one-on-one trade to swap Gary Sanchez for J.T Realmuto. This move is more complicated than it looks and is sure to stir some controversies with the management and the fan bases of both teams.

At first sight, why would Marlins give away an all-star for a player with a huge upside and huge risk? The Marlins are going through a rebuild and retaining Realmuto through the rebuild is not advisable. Sanchez, on the other hand, is two years younger than J.T and has played fewer games.

A move away from the Bronx can prove to be decisive for Gary as he won't be subject to the same amount of fan pressure and expectations in Miami. Miami's vice-president of player development and scouting Gary Denbo is said to have been a fan of the 'Kraken' since the former's days in NY.

Yankees will receive Realmuto, a player who leads catchers in WAR (12.3) and will help reduce the Yanks' reliance on the long ball offensively. This can be proven by the fact that Sanchez has had more home runs compared to J.T playing lesser games but Realmuto (21 HRs) almost has the same number of runs in 2018 as Sanchez (18 HRs) and Romine (10 HRs) combined.

In this deal, Yankees give away a young player with enormous upsides for a player with experience and one who can provide the team with certainty and helps their cause of contending for the title next year.