As a lifelong Marlin, Realmuto played in cavernous Marlins Park, the place where baseballs go to die (unless they're mashed by mutants like Giancarlo Stanton. In 260 games at Marlins Park, his OPS was a very pedestrian .678. In 280 games away from home, his OPS is .848. That's a difference of 170 points.
The Phils gave up a lot to get Realmuto, but it takes quality to get quality. They gave up powerful young catcher and human strikeout machine Jorge Alfaro, previously untouchable pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez, minor league pitcher Will Stewart, and slot money for international signings.
Sanchez has pitched just 221 minor league innings and had elbow issues last season. But when he has pitched, he's been electrifying. He's struck out 191 and walked just 43. Stewart is a ground ball pitcher who went 8-1 at Lakewood in the deep minors. People (myself included) were treating Sanchez like he was going to be the second coming of Pedro Martinez.
Here's the thing. Prospects are like lottery tickets. They rarely pay off. Realmuto is a winning lottery ticket. He's a five-tool player and makes the Phils so much better for the season that starts seven weeks from today. He's great offensively, defensively, and on the bases. He's faster than every catcher and most outfielders.
General manager Matt Klentak is still waiting to hear if Bryce Harper or Manny Machado will accept the Phillies offer of stupid money and spend the next six to 10 years at Citizens Bank Park. The Phils have already improved the team so much from last season. Realmuto, Segura, McCutcheon, and Robertson bring this team closer to 90 wins and meaningful baseball in October. Another free agent or two could put them over the top.
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