Phillies can’t afford to let J.T. Realmuto test free agency

What’s the hold-up?

It really isn’t clear why the Phillies haven’t extended Realmuto yet. Ever since the initial February 2019 trade, an extension seemed to be guaranteed. But, it seems like the Phillies won’t reach out anytime soon and let Realmuto hit the open market. Since spring training, talks have gone nowhere.

The whole point of trading for a player in Realmuto’s situation is to lock him up long term. If a player like him hits the open market, it becomes an all-out bidding war where you’ll never be sure if you are truly in the lead to sign him.  Realmuto loves it here, but free agency gives him a chance to see big money from other suitors. Trading for him gives you control that no other team has. Obviously, it saves you from the dangers that could be in free agency – other teams looping in and signing away the player.

Testing the waters

Realmuto had several suitors when he was originally on the block following the 2019 offseason, including the Padres, Reds, Mets, Braves, Dodgers, and Astros.

The 2020 Free Agent class is packed with talent. Mookie Betts, George Springer, Trevor Bauer, and Marcus Stroman, along with Giancarlo Stanton and J.D. Martinez (if they decline their player options), can all appear alongside Realmuto searching for a new team.

Teams constantly overbid for players. There is no other team in baseball who would not take Realmuto as their Catcher, and that’s the problem. With the Phillies would having to bid against several other teams, it isn’t far fetched to think that Realmuto sign elsewhere. A new owner for the New York Mets could want to make a splash and ink Realmuto on a 6 or 7-year deal.

Plus, the Dodgers are always mentioned among the teams in the running for top free agents. Losing Justin Turner and Joc Pederson off the payroll can clear space for an All-Star like Realmuto, all the while retaining Mookie Betts.

Our very own Matt Rappa wrote about a recent rumor that Realmuto could be traded to the Astros this coming season if the Phillies are out of the race. Matt Reywich of NBC Sports Washington even theorized he’d end up in a Nationals uniform.

What if J.T. Realmuto goes?

As mentioned earlier, Realmuto is the “best catcher in baseball.” Awarded a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger for his 2019 performance, while leading the position in Hits, Doubles, RBIs, Runs, Slugging Percentage, and Stolen Bases. He also threw out a league-leading 47% of runners last season, with a league-best pop time of 1.88 seconds. Don’t forget that Realmuto also led the Phillies in WAR last year.

If he walks in free agency and takes an offer away from Philadelphia, that will sting for a long time. The remaining Catching options in Free Agency aren’t even in the same realm as J.T. Realmuto. The closest thing to him would be James McCann from the White Sox, a 2019 All-Star, but will be entering his age 32 season. He’s also not going to get the same time behind the plate in Chicago this year, with the additions of Yasmani Grandal and Edwin Encarnación taking up DH reps.

A reunion with Wilson Ramos is possible (if his option is declined), but at 34 and an injury history, it’s not a great move. Nor would Jason Castro, a 2013 All-Star, who would be entering his age 34 season. Other than that, 41-year-old Erik Kratz is still out there. The Phillies could fall back on Deivy Grullon, who will be 25 in 2021.

It’s clear that Realmuto is elite at his position. Plus, his age in this open market is a major advantage compared to the other free agents.

What’s most upsetting about all this is Matt Klentak’s lack of urgency. You cannot let J.T. Realmuto walk. Plain and simple. The team only gets worse if you lose him. He’s a leader and not to mention, the face of the franchise’s best friend in the clubhouse. If Bryce Harper wants to keep someone around, you should probably tend to it.