J.T. Realmuto trade coverage

After an extremely deliberate negotiating process, the Marlins completed a trade Thursday with the Phillies centered around catcher J.T. Realmuto, their best player. Right-hander Sixto Sanchez, catcher Jorge Alfaro, left-hander Will Stewart and international bonus pool money will go to Miami. The bonus slot is valued at $250,000.

Behold the full press release:

Marlins Communications

Sanchez is a bonafide centerpiece. Kid throws gas. A consensus Top 50 MLB prospect, the 20-year-old has a higher ceiling than any other pitcher in the Marlins organization.

Alfaro comes with five remaining years of major league control (Realmuto had only two). He’s a lesser all-around talent, obviously, but elite relative to others at the catcher position in terms of arm strength and power.

Coming off his first full season at the highest level, Alfaro’s athleticism and immediate impact are of particular interest to this Marlins front office.

The lefty Stewart is coming off an awesome statistical year at the Low-A level (2.06 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 5 HR in 113.2 IP). He will try to legitimize that performance as the ace of High-A Jupiter’s rotation in 2019.

I recommend you hang out at Fish Stripes the next few days as our staff weighs in on the timing, talent haul, public perception and consequences of the blockbuster move. All of it will be bundled together in this stream.