The Philadelphia Phillies have been active this offseason, highlighted by their decision to bring back Kyle Schwarber on a long-term contract. Even with that major move completed, one significant piece of unfinished business remains on the table.
That unresolved issue is the future of All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto. According to FanSided’s Zachary Rotman, bringing Realmuto back should be a clear priority for Philadelphia, especially given the lack of quality alternatives at the position. The current catcher market offers little in terms of proven talent, and the internal options on the roster do not come close to matching Realmuto’s overall impact.
“The catcher market is incredibly weak, and J.T. Realmuto is the best option by far. Knowing this, he should have a good idea of what his market is by now and be able to pick his ideal landing spot…The Philadelphia Phillies probably don’t want to give Realmuto the contract length he’s looking for, but what’s the alternative? Do they really want Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs as their catcher tandem? Do they want to sign a lesser free agent in a win-now year? Is there another option realistically available worth trading for? Even if it’s an overpay, it feels like the Phillies can ill-afford to let Realmuto walk,” Rotman wrote.
While Realmuto did not have his strongest offensive season in 2024, he still delivered solid production. He finished the year with a .257/.315/.384 slash line, posting a .700 OPS along with 26 doubles, 12 home runs, and 52 RBIs. Beyond the numbers, his defensive value remains elite. As a two-time Gold Glove winner, Realmuto continues to rank among the best defensive catchers in baseball.
From a financial standpoint, Realmuto is projected to command a two-year contract worth around $25 million. Given his experience, leadership, and all-around skill set, that price would be more than reasonable for a team with championship aspirations.
Ideally, the Phillies will finalize a deal soon. With the offseason gradually winding down, securing Realmuto would allow the front office to shift its attention to other areas of need and fully prepare for another push toward contention.