The Philadelphia Phillies clearly want to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto, but just because the Phillies want to keep him does not mean it is a slam dunk that he will return.
Apparently, Philadelphia has had an offer out to Realmuto for multiple weeks and has still heard nothing, so perhaps the three-time All-Star is looking elsewhere.
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So, what will the Phillies do if Realmuto departs? Cole Weintraub of NBC Sports Philadelphia has revealed the team’s most likely path to a replacement.
“Whether Philadelphia ultimately meets Realmuto’s price or looks to an alternative, his value — both offensively and in managing a pitching staff — remains significant,” Weintraub wrote. “Any contingency plan would more likely come via trade than from a thin free-agent catching class.”
This definitely complicates things, as it is very difficult to find competent everyday catchers available for trade.
Realmuto is, by far, the best backstop available in free agency, which is why his market is more robust than most may have initially anticipated.
J.T. Realmuto. Credit:Â James A. Pittman-Imagn Images.
The 34-year-old slashed .257/.315/.384 with 12 home runs and 52 RBI over 550 plate appearances this past season. His .700 OPS was by far his worst mark since 2015, but he still wasn’t completely terrible at the plate, and his value as a leader is paramount for the Phillies.
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Philadelphia originally acquired Realmuto in a trade with the Miami Marlins back in February 2019. He has been the team’s starting catcher ever since.
As for potential backstops who could be on the trade block? Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins has been floated as a realistic possibility. While he may not quite be Realmuto defensively, he did post a .752 OPS in 2025, and he is two years removed from smashing 21 homers.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman has also been mentioned as a candidate, but it seems hard to imagine the Orioles moving him at this juncture. You also have to figure Colorado Rockies star Hunter Goodman is virtually untouchable.
Realmuto has leverage over the Phillies, and he knows it. Perhaps that’s why he is allowing himself to remain on the market in spite of the fact that Philadelphia has already made an offer to him.
We’ll see what happens in the coming days or weeks.