By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
If the Philadelphia Phillies want to land an All-Star-caliber catcher to bolster their offense for the 2019 season — the Miami Marlins' J.T. Realmuto — they reportedly will have to part ways with their top-ranked prospect, right-hander Sixto Sanchez.
On Wednesday, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reported that the Marlins view Sanchez as a "must" in any trade package the Phillies will offer them for Realmuto.
Which potential trade partner gives J.T. Realmuto the best chance to win now? #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/VgkonK7gcX
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 6, 2019
Given Realmuto's "continued availability," the Phillies recently "checked in" on him following their initial reported interest in December, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal on Tuesday.
The Marlins reportedly would like Realmuto to be dealt either before this Saturday — when all members of their 40-man roster are required to attend Marlins FanFest — or before their first pitchers and catchers workout next week. Frisaro reports it would be "uncomfortable" to have Realmuto in attendance, knowing he is "on the verge of being traded." The Marlins are said to be "willing to wait," however, if they are "not pleased with the overall package."
Frisaro writes:
The Phillies have expressed interest in Realmuto as far back as last July.
Earlier in the offseason, the Phillies also were engaged. But with Spring Training set to begin next week, they resurfaced as a viable option for Realmuto, who statistically had one of the best seasons of any catcher in the Majors last year.
An All-Star for the first time in 2018, Realmuto batted .277 and recorded career highs for home runs (21) and RBIs (74).
Phillies catcher Jorge Alfaro is reported to also be a target of the Marlins in a deal for Realmuto, according to philly.com's Scott Lauber. Sanchez, 20, is the 27th-ranked prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline; he went 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA in 2018, but missed time due to right elbow inflammation and a sore collar bone.
The Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays have also reportedly shown interest in Realmuto.
