The Philadelphia Phillies are re-signing catcher J.T. Realmuto on a 3-year, $45 million deal, and the team’s fans are not happy about it.
Realmuto joined the Phillies in 2019 and has played the last seven seasons with them. He was an All-Star in 2019 and 2021, but he’s nearing age 35, and the fans are not excited about the prospect of having him for the next three seasons.
Take a look at some of the reactions:
Genuinely can’t bring myself to be excited for this.
J.T. Realmuto is a boon to the pitching staff and clubhouse, but the Phillies are about to overpay for a likely par-to-sub-par catcher over the next 2 or 3 years. https://t.co/qhVmGfMdaA
— Alex Carr (@AlexCarrMLB) January 16, 2026
“Realmuto, who will be 35 on Opening Day, had one of the worst offensive seasons of his career in 2025.” https://t.co/DOMuVchImk pic.twitter.com/HxGLgTPMIc
— Absolutely Hammered (@ah_pod) January 16, 2026
And 3 years for J.T. Realmuto is insane, by the way.
Coming off the worst season of his career and they lock him in through age 37?
— John Foley (@2008Philz) January 16, 2026
The Phillies had virtually no other option but to bring Realmuto back. But $15M a year for his age 35-37 seasons is steep. That roster is getting ancient really quickly.
— Beaneater Buzz (@BeaneaterB) January 16, 2026
JT Realmuto is a 35 year old catcher who just put up a 91 OPS+ with below average defense for the 3rd year in a row
3 years for $45 million is wild pic.twitter.com/ulu5yXPxKn
— AT (@YankeeWRLD) January 16, 2026
Realmuto batted .257 last season with a .700 OPS. He hit 26 doubles and 12 home runs in 134 games, but his OPS was the worst of his career since his rookie season in 2015. He appears to be fading in his career, which is why fans are not excited about the move.
The move also appears worse in context when you consider that the Mets signed Bo Bichette, the Dodgers added Kyle Tucker, and the Red Sox signed Ranger Suarez away from Philly. The Red Sox also were reported to have interest in Realmuto, but he is returning to Philly.