By: TJ Hartnett

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

For what seems like the 15 gazillionith time this offseason, the trade market for Miami Marlins All-Star Catcher JT Realmuto has apparently started heating up.

The Padres, Dodgers, Reds and Braves are all in the mix to be Miami’s dance partner. He’s a hot commodity and it’s no surprise that he’s being highly sought after by teams looking to compete in 2019.

It’s also no surprise that trade talks have stretched into February, with less than two weeks remaining before Realmuto has to report…somewhere. After all, the top free agents – Bryce Harper and Manny Machado – have yet to land anywhere either.

Over the past several months, the Realmuto trade talk has been a roller coaster, with teams being reported as in, then out, then in again.

The Braves in particular have been linked to the catcher days before reportedly passing on him altogether. Now, the rumor is that they’re back in the mix, though the Padres and Dodgers are the strongest contenders.

But personally, I’m getting a little tired of hearing about him maybe or maybe not coming to Atlanta. Do I want the guy? Yes. Would he improve the team? Of course. But is he the last piece that makes the Braves a complete team and threat to Washington, Philadelphia, and New York? He is not.

It’s not that the Braves couldn’t use an upgrade at catcher. Brian McCann was a feel-good addition to the roster, but his days as an All-Star backstop are behind him.

Tyler Flowers signed a two-year deal signed after the 2017, but that was the Braves betting on the wrong horse (while Kurt Suzuki is now a National).

The excitement of Realmuto coming to Atlanta had a lot to do with his bat, along with his position. While his bat would still be a hell of an asset, when the Braves signed Josh Donaldson to a one-year deal they made Realmuto’s offensive skills redundant.

In fact, if Donaldson is healthy and produces up to his normal level, he’ll be a better bat than Realmuto would be, and he only costs the Braves cash. Realmuto would cost prospects. And that would be prospect capital that could be used elsewhere.

And that’s the real reason I’m getting tired of hearing about Realmuto. He fills a need the Braves don’t really need addressed at the moment.

The Braves biggest hole last year was their bullpen, and beyond that, the move that would make the biggest difference to their contender status is acquisition of a stud pitcher to either serve as the team’s ace or as a solid number two behind Mike Foltynewicz.

Despite those needs, the rumor mill about the Braves trading or otherwise acquiring pitching help has been nearly nonexistent over the past several months.

Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals picked up arguably the best free agent pitcher on the market in Patrick Corbin and the Mets shored up their bullpen by trading for Edwin Diaz (with a pinch of Robinson Cano). Dallas Keuchel is still available, but the Braves haven’t been linked to him in a substantial way; Cory Kluber hasn’t been traded, though the rumor mill surrounding him seems to have quieted altogether.

Relief pitchers are always available. Yet, Atlanta hasn’t picked up anyone to throw the ball.

Is there still time? Sure. But it is frustrating to hear constant rumors abound that the Braves might make a play for an unnecessary position player when it’s a pitcher or two that would keep them at the top of the pile.

With the improvements that other teams in the NL East have made, it’s easy to think that the Braves may have fallen back in the pack, despite winning the division last season.

If they can bolster their pitching staff, they might even be considered the favorites to win again.