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Miami designated catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia for assignment after he lost his starting job to J.T. Realmuto, and while the club was thought to be close to trading the former Red Sox backstop, a deal may not be imminent. The Marlins have until Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. to trade Saltalamacchia, however ESPN's Jerry Crasnick notes he is expected to clear waivers.
Several teams are in pursuit of backup catching options and Saltalamacchia was thought to be appealing. SB Nation's Chris Cotillo reported Kansas City, Arizona, and Tampa Bay could all potentially be interested in acquiring Saltalamacchia, but if a trade is not realistic, interested clubs can sign him as a free agent.
Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe added Marlins General Manager Dan Jennings thought he had trade options for Saltalamacchia, but if a deal does not get done, the Marlins may be forced to pay a large portion of Saltalamacchia's remaining contract. Miami signed Saltalamacchia to a three-year, $21 million contract but opted to move on after his offensive struggles persisted.
Although some clubs are in pursuit of catching depth, it is not the first time the Marlins have had trouble trying to find a trade partner for Saltalamacchia. Early in April, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported the Marlins were forced to give Saltalamacchia another opportunity because interested teams were not pleased with his large contract.
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. Teams seeking catching depth were expected to express interest in Saltalamacchia, however a former major league pitcher noted pitchers do not like throwing to him on a regular basis.
Ultimately, a deal could still get done. However, the Marlins may be forced to move on from Saltalamacchia and pay for him to play for other squad.