:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46225332/usa-today-8518615.0.jpg)
Miami designated catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia for assignment on Monday and the club may be close to moving the veteran backstop. The Marlins have ten days to trade Saltalamacchia, and according to The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo, General Manager Dan Jennings has spoken to at least five teams with regard to a Saltalamacchia trade.
Since being promoted, J.T. Realmuto has had success and ultimately won the starting job. Saltalamacchia has only received 33 at-bats in 2015, and the Marlins are looking to move on from the former Boston catcher who posted a .220/.320/.362 batting line with Miami last season. Only after the ten day period would Saltalamacchia clear waivers and have the ability to sign with any team.
Saltalamacchia was not drawing a notable amount of interest last offseason, but regardless, the Marlins were reportedly still considering a trade. Miami signed Saltalamacchia to a three-year, $21 million contract, but a slow offensive season likely led to the club exploring other options. Jeff Mathis has established himself as a consistent backup option, and Realmuto is considered to be the Marlins' catcher of the future. Teams seeking catching depth will likely express interest in Saltalamacchia, however a former major league pitcher noted pitchers do not like throwing to him on a regular basis.
FOX Sports' Jon Morosi notes the Red Sox are not interested in Saltalamacchia, and the Indians, Mariners, and Diamondbacks could all complete a deal involving him according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
Although he did not have a notable amount of success with the Marlins, Saltalamacchia could prove to be a valuable backup option or injury replacement. He has a notable amount of experience and if his bat warms up could prove to be a plus addition to the middle of a lineup.
The Marlins opted to move on from Saltalamacchia and give Realmuto a chance to prove he can be a starter. Miami may not receive much in return, but dealing Saltalamacchia could prove to be beneficial for the Marlins.