Four major free agents are available to the Philadelphia Phillies as the offseason gets underway. Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto are excellent prospects to re-sign with the Phillies, but Harrison Bader and Ranger Suarez are probably leaving.
However, the Boston Red Sox are expressing interest in Realmuto this winter, according to Jen McCaffrey and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. There is considerable worry that the Phillies may lose their starting catcher this offseason because a team is interested in Realmuto.
However, in the same article, the Phillies got some encouraging news on their chances of luring Realmuto back. The Phillies are still seen to be the favorites to sign the seasoned catcher this winter, despite the Red Sox’s interest in Realmuto.
Phillies get good news on JT Realmuto’s free agency despite interest from Red Sox
“But the Red Sox are showing interest in JT Realmuto, according to people briefed on their discussions.” McCaffrey and Rosenthal write. “The best guess with Realmuto is that he will still re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, his team since 2019.”
Rosenthal and McCaffrey’s dual report is noteworthy for the Phillies. The Phillies are still the favorites to re-sign Realmuto this offseason, despite the fact that there is now a definite team (one that is ready to pay) interested in him.
Rosenthal and McCaffrey state later in the story that “If Realmuto lands with any team other than the Phillies, it will be a surprise.”
According to that direct report, Realmuto’s return to the Phillies is anticipated this offseason.
The Phillies have the best chance of signing Realmuto to a new contract this winter, even though the Red Sox may not be the only team interested in him.
Since joining the Phillies in 2019, the 34-year-old catcher has been selected to two All-Star games. Over the past few years, he has brought quality offense and assisted in calling pitches for a very strong pitching staff.
The Phillies’ #1 goal this offseason is to bring Realmuto back, and Rosenthal and McCaffrey’s report is encouraging for the likelihood of a reunion. Realmuto’s most likely destination is back in Philadelphia, despite the Red Sox’s desire.