Phillies: Phil Gosselin wishes to return with J.T. Realmuto

Phil Gosselin wants to be 2021 Phillies teammates with J.T. Realmuto

Both utility player Phil Gosselin and catcher J.T. Realmuto currently have two looming things in common — the veterans are free agents, after playing each of the past two seasons donning a Philadelphia Phillies uniform.

Gosselin, who turned 32 last month, recently joined MLB Network Radio and expressed a desire to return for a third season in red pinstripes with his hometown team. But, if he does so, he wishes Realmuto — a two-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and Gold Glover — re-signs along with him.

“He’s one of the best that I’ve ever played with, obviously,” Gosselin said. “If I’m back in Philly, I’m hoping he’s there too, because I’d rather play with him than against him next year.”

Gosselin describes Realmuto is an “unbelievable athlete” who “could probably go pro in three sports if he wanted to.”

“[J.T. is] just one of those guys that is good at everything,” Gosselin added. “I know he was a great football player back in high school, and is obviously a great baseball player.”

Gosselin returned to the Phillies in 2020 originally on a minor-league pact, but impressed greatly in summer camp to secure his big-league roster spot. Across 39 games, he slashed .250/.324/.402 with five doubles, three home runs, 12 RBI, 10 walks, and 27 strikeouts spanning 102 plate appearances.

Gosselin was hitting above .300 through 27 of the 39 games (.303), but finished the season on a cold streak, collecting just three singles across his last 27 plate appearances. Overall, Gosselin has 19 RBI through his 83 games played with the Phillies between the 2019-20 seasons. In the field, he has played the corner outfield positions, as well as third base, shortstop, second base, and first base.

The eight-year veteran went on to praise Realmuto in that “you just don’t see athletes at the catcher position” like him very often. “He can really run; he’s got a cannon. He hits … it’s not fair when you play guys like that,” Gosselin says. “You’re like, ‘Man, I’m really not very talented or very good’ when you look at him on a daily basis.”

Gosselin says it was really fun to watch Realmuto play every day. “Just the fact that he can catch every single day,” he adds. “Two years ago, I think he was on pace to catch 130-140 games, which is ridiculous.”

Hopefully, for Phillies fans, Gosselin’s wish to re-sign along with Realmuto comes to fruition.