The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series, a matchup brimming with star power and postseason intrigue. With so many All-Stars on both rosters, this clash has all the makings of a dramatic, back-and-forth series that could easily go the distance. For nearly two years, the Dodgers’ trio of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman has dominated conversations across Major League Baseball, becoming the faces of a franchise built on both talent and ambition. Yet the Phillies are hardly lacking in star quality themselves, bringing their own mix of established veterans and big-game performers who have thrived under October pressure.
Among those leaders is J.T. Realmuto, who has been instrumental in the Phillies’ rise to prominence over the past several seasons. While his 2025 campaign may not stand out statistically compared to his previous years, the veteran catcher remains one of the emotional and competitive anchors of the club. Known for his defensive brilliance, leadership behind the plate, and timely hitting, Realmuto has a knack for stepping up when the stakes are highest. As the Phillies prepare for another deep playoff push, he represents the kind of steady presence teams need to survive the gauntlet of October baseball.
Despite the Dodgers’ status as one of the most formidable teams in the league, the Phillies don’t seem the least bit intimidated. They’ve proven time and again that they can rise to the moment against elite opponents, and their confidence appears as strong as ever. Interestingly, Realmuto struck a respectful and even admiring tone when discussing the very team standing in his way. Speaking to reporters in a clip shared by On Pattison on X, he said, “In my opinion, they’re the epitome of what Major League Baseball should be. They go out every year and try to win. Their ownership is awesome. Their front office is great. It’s an organization that the other teams look up to, and I see us in the same way.”
Now in his seventh season with Philadelphia, Realmuto has become one of the faces of the franchise and one of its most respected voices in the clubhouse. This marks his fourth trip to the postseason in a Phillies uniform, and while he’s already experienced the highs of deep playoff runs, the ultimate goal—a World Series championship—still eludes him. Standing between Realmuto and that long-awaited achievement are the star-studded Dodgers, a team that has consistently reloaded its roster with elite talent in pursuit of sustained dominance.
What makes Realmuto’s comments particularly striking is the level of admiration he expressed for a franchise that many fans around the league love to dislike. The Dodgers have earned a reputation for spending aggressively, drawing criticism for using their financial muscle to stay at the top of the sport. Last offseason was no different, as they made a series of blockbuster moves to strengthen an already championship-caliber roster, even after capturing the World Series. Rather than condemn that approach, Realmuto chose to applaud it, acknowledging the organization’s relentless commitment to winning and suggesting it mirrors the Phillies’ own mindset.
For Realmuto, the focus remains on leading his team through what promises to be an intense and emotional series. His respect for the Dodgers underscores both his professionalism and his understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. As Philadelphia prepares to go head-to-head with one of baseball’s modern powerhouses, his words serve as both a nod to excellence and a quiet statement of belief that the Phillies, too, belong among the elite.