*PREDICTION*

The Philadelphia Phillies are entering a new era going into 2026. With a large focus on recreating their roster to try to figure out the winning formula that will bring them to a World Series appearance.

With several key players whom the team has been built around set to enter free agency, the question becomes who should be brought back, and who should we try to replace.

The Philadelphia Phillies decided to bring back the National League MVP runner-up Kyle Schwarber, which seems like an excellent decision. Other key players set to leave are J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suarez, Harrison Bader, and Max Kepler.

Also, reports out of Philadelphia are that the Phillies are looking to trade away Nick Castellanos.

The Phillies can not run back the same roster and expect different results; however, they can not let all that talent go. Especially when one of those players plays at an important position that lacks a lot of talent around the league. That is why the Phillies will re-sign J.T. Realmuto.

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J.T. Realmuto Returning To Philadelphia 

J.T. Realmuto broke into the league in 2014 with the Miami Marlins at the end of the season appearing in just 11 games. Over the next 11 seasons, he has been one of the best catchers in baseball. Especially the last seven seasons when he was with the Phillies.

An above-average hitter at his position and one of the best behind-the-plate catchers, it is very difficult to find or develop a catcher who could become as valuable as Realmuto.

The Phillies are reported to be in negotiations with Realmuto’s camp on a contract extension, but there are some roadblocks between the two parties that they have not been able to agree on just yet.

With negotiations stonewalled for the time being, the Phillies are looking for possible replacements via the trade market; however, they have not found the perfect match as of now.

It is more likely the Phillies re-sign Realmuto over trading for someone. The Phillies have paid Schwarber big money, and that may have caused some issues signing Realmuto right away.

If the Phillies can ship Castellanos’ contract off in a trade, it would open up some wiggle room to bring back Realmuto. The Phillies can not let Realmuto sign somewhere else.

He has been too important to their recent success, and losing him may do more damage in the long term than initially thought.

Potential J.T Realmuto’s Contract

Realmuto will be entering his 13th season in the league, and at the age of 34, he is looking for a long-term deal that could be the last big deal of his career.

The lack of premium options out there at the catcher position could lead to Realmuto getting paid more than what he is actually worth.

Spotrac.com has Realmuto’s market value at two years, $25.8 million. This would put Realmuto at an average annual salary of $12.9 million. Realmuto could possibly be looking for a longer-term deal. When a deal gets done, expect a three to four-year term in a range of $40-53 million.

With no other options out there to trade for or in free agency, the Phillies must realize that if they want to win or even make a World Series appearance, they must retain J.T. Realmuto.

For that price, it is well worth it, even if you are signing him with an impending decline in production. That is why the Philadelphia Phillies will re-sign their catcher, J.T. Realmuto.

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