Phillies: 10 Things to Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving
By Matt Rappa
6: J.T. Realmuto
An All-Star appearance, Gold Glove Award, Silver Slugger Award, and even a 14th-place finish in the National League Most Valuable Player Award race.
RELATED | Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto having a legendary season
J.T. Realmuto had an excellent first season in red pinstripes. In 145 games, the six-year veteran slashed .275/.328/.493 with 25 home runs, 83 RBI and 41 walks.
J.T. Realmuto becomes the first #Phillies catcher with 20 HR in a season since Mike Lieberthal in 1999 (31). pic.twitter.com/rN4AGQo829
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) August 29, 2019
Among National Leaguers, he recorded the fifth-most sacrifice flies (8), and, at the plate, the most double plays turned (14) and caught stealings (43) by catchers.
He became the Phillies’ first Silver Slugger Award winner since Chase Utley in 2009, and just the second-ever Phillies catcher to win such honor, joining Darren Daulton in 1992. Also, the Del City, Oklahoma, native became the first Phillies player to win a Gold Glove since Jimmy Rollins in 2012, and the third-ever Phillies catcher, joining Bob Boone and Mike Lieberthal.
RELATED | Phillies will have to make J.T. Realmuto the most expensive catcher in baseball
While a contract decision looms, it surely is on the Phillies’ minds; both sides have already shown mutual interest to come to an agreement.
They call Realmuto the “Best Catcher in Baseball” for a reason, and, for that, Phillies fans should be thankful he calls Philadelphia his home.