J.T. Realmuto’s agent, Jeff Berry, predicted last November that the All-Star catcher wouldn’t still be employed by the Miami Marlins when 2019 Spring Training began. By the skin of his teeth, Berry was right, as the Philadelphia Phillies acquired his client on Feb. 7, five days before Marlins pitchers and catchers were due to report to Jupiter, Florida for Spring Training.
Berry made another bold declaration late in 2018 – whether the Marlins traded Realmuto or not, the Silver Slugger Award winner had no intention of signing an extension to remain with the Marlins past the 2020 season, when he can become eligible for free-agency.