Fresh Fish News, 2/17/19: Sergio Romo signs, Reactions to the Realmuto trade, Spring Training begins

Hello, Marlins fans! Spring Training is finally upon us, as pitchers and catchers reported to Jupiter on Wednesday, which brought with it a ton of new info regarding the 2019 team.

I will be taking a look at not only the news going into camp, but all the other news of the past week regarding your Miami Marlins!

J.T. Realmuto Trade Reactions

In the aftermath of the previous week’s Realmuto blockbuster, more details trickled out about the negotiating process. Across the board, the Marlins were seeking a big overpay from interested teams.

Ultimately, they came away with a Phillies deal that most would agree benefits both sides moving forward.

Sergio Romo is Officially a Miami Marlin

The Marlins officially announced the signing of Sergio Romo on Friday after days of speculation. Romo is an efficient relief pitcher with plenty of experience as a closer, which is critical for a club that had one of MLB’s worst bullpens in 2018.

Not to be overlooked, the small right-hander could benefit Marlins teammates with his leadership skills and earn their respect with three World Series rings (2010, 2012 and 2014 San Francisco Giants).

Romo’s $2.5 million contract is the largest handed out by the Fish to any major league free agent this offseason (separate from international amateur Víctor Víctor Mesa and his $5.25 million signing bonus).

New Fish Stripes Season Previews

Our staff is on a mission to personally introduce you to as many Marlins major leaguers as possible leading up to Opening Day. The full series is available here.

Season previews added over the past week include Jorge Alfaro, Garrett Cooper, Romo and Julian Fernández. Nice work by Ian Smith, Marshall Thomas and Ely Sussman.

Sights and Sound Bites from Jupiter

Key takeaways from Spring Training thus far include José Ureña being named Opening Day starter for the second straight year and following how new catcher Jorge Alfaro meshed with the pitchers of the Marlins. Manager Don Mattingly also triggered some heated discussion with comments suggesting he’d consider using The Opener strategy in certain situations after the Tampa Bay Rays had so much success with it.

Beautiful to see those new blue uniforms in action.

Jorge Posada Joins the Marlins as Special Advisor

A five-time World Series champ and New York Yankees legend, former catcher Jorge Posada is the newest member of the Marlins front office as first reported by SiriusXM/Five Reasons Sports Network host Craig Mish. He will serve as special advisor to their baseball operations department.

Posada and his family already have a residence in Miami, and he was spotted with close friend Derek Jeter at Marlins games last season.

Jeter has shown repeatedly he is not afraid to sign people—whether they are players, like Curtis Granderson, or front-office execs—that he is familiar with from his time as captain of the New York Yankees. He’s aiming to build a successful culture just like theirs.

Every week that passes brings us closer to Opening Day. With Spring Training already getting started, it is only a matter of time until the Marlins suit up for their first regular season game of the year.

Until then, follow Fish Stripes extra closely so you don’t miss a single second of Miami Marlins news.