The Marlins do not deny it. Their early “asks” for All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto were high.



From the Dodgers, Miami wanted first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger. From the Mets, either outfielder Michael Conforto or shortstop Amed Rosario, plus a top shortstop prospect. From the Yankees, both catcher Gary Sánchez and third baseman Miguel Andújar in a bigger deal that might have included infielder Miguel Rojas and potentially another piece along with Realmuto if the talks had gained traction.



The Marlins’ idea, according to sources familiar with their thinking, was that one of those clubs might overpay. The Dodgers had just lost back-to-back World Series. The Mets were acting aggressively under new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen. The Yankees were chasing the World Series champion Red Sox.



Nothing wrong with taking a shot, but teams rarely overpay under any circumstances anymore, not in free agency, not in trades. So after...