Phillies: 3 veterans who may have played their last game in Philadelphia
Can the Phillies save their relationship with J.T. Realmuto?
When the Phillies gave up their top pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez, catcher Jorge Alfaro, and pitcher Will Stewart for J.T. Realmuto they hoped to have him for two years on a club-friendly contract before coming to an agreement on a long-term deal.
Coming off a really good first year with the Phillies there was a lot of confidence that the two parties would agree to a long-term deal that would make Realmuto arguably the second-biggest piece of the team (behind Harper) going forward. At one point they were “widely expected” to get a deal done.
In spring training it sounded like the two sides were at least talking about a deal, but nothing was close. Then, the season shut down and Major League Baseball restricted roster transactions, including new contracts.
As of right now, Realmuto is set to be the second-biggest free agent going into 2021 behind Mookie Betts. What team wouldn’t want a 29-year-old All-Star, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger catcher who many deem the best in baseball at his position?
Because of his standing in the game and how valuable a good catcher is both at and behind the plate, Realmuto was due to receive a massive contract that could set records for the position.
Joe Mauer received $184 million over eight years and Buster Posey got $159 million over the same span. I think it’s highly unlikely Realmuto gets anywhere near those numbers, but he could set average annual value records.
Yadier Molina currently averages the most per year at $20 million, less than $200,000 more than Posey.
Realmuto will likely get around $100 million and the possibility of the National League adding the DH permanently makes him even more valuable.
light. Related Story. 5 Catcher Options if Realmuto Leaves
Hopefully the Phillies and Realmuto can get a deal done whether it’s before or during free agency. But if he hits free agency, the Phillies could face some heavy bidders for the best catcher in baseball and have some tough decisions to make after losing millions in 2020.