The Phillies are heading into an offseason filled with tough decisions, and two of their biggest names J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber are set to hit free agency once this season wraps up. Of the two, Schwarber looks to be the higher priority for the front office. He’s having a monster year at the plate, and reports suggest he’s expected to be at the center of Philadelphia’s free-agency plans. But keeping Schwarber won’t come cheap. His next contract could command well over \$100 million, and committing that much money would likely force the Phillies to trim payroll in other areas.
That’s where Realmuto’s future comes into question. The veteran catcher has been one of the game’s best since arriving in Philadelphia, bringing leadership, steady defense, and reliable production behind the plate. But he’s now 34 years old, and the Phillies may be hesitant to invest heavily in a long-term deal for a catcher at this stage of his career. While he’s remained durable and consistent so far, the wear and tear of catching could eventually limit him, and if Schwarber stays, the designated hitter role that might’ve extended Realmuto’s value wouldn’t be available to him. That could leave the Phillies facing the difficult reality of letting one of their cornerstone players walk away.
If that happens, the team would be left with a major hole to fill behind the plate and one bold idea has already been floated. FanSided’s Mark Powell recently suggested a blockbuster trade that would send Orioles All-Star Adley Rutschman to Philadelphia. The proposed deal would see the Phillies give up starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, pitching prospect Moises Chace (ranked No. 8 in the organization), and first baseman Keaton Anthony (ranked No. 15).
On paper, it’s a huge swing, but there’s logic behind it. Rutschman, a two-time All-Star, hasn’t been at his peak this season, but his talent is undeniable. Many still view him as one of the best young catchers in baseball with the potential to dominate for years. The Orioles, meanwhile, just locked up another top catching prospect, Samuel Basallo, to an eight-year, \$67 million deal. With Basallo now cemented as part of Baltimore’s long-term plans, Rutschman becomes more expendable than most would have thought a year or two ago.
It’s the kind of move that would shake up both franchises: the Phillies keeping their offense anchored around Schwarber while plugging a long-term answer at catcher, and the Orioles getting pitching depth and promising young talent in return. While nothing is close to being official, it’s clear Philadelphia may have to balance sentiment, loyalty, and finances as it maps out the future of two of its biggest stars.