Phillies: J.T. Realmuto situation looks to be near an end

Could catcher J.T. Realmuto re-sign with the Phillies this week?

Although the wait has not been as long as it took for outfielder Bryce Harper to finally sign with the Philadelphia Phillies two offseasons ago, the current contract situation of fellow star J.T. Realmuto sure has felt like it.

A report Tuesday morning from MLB Network’s Jon Heyman indicates that a deal could be imminent. According to Heyman, Realmuto’s contract situation “feels like it’s coming to a head” and that the Phillies are “trying to close the deal.”

Last week, FanSided’s Robert Murray reported that the Atlanta Braves have been “circling” on the free-agent — despite having former Phils prospect, catcher Travis d’Arnaud, under contract for the 2021 season. However, according to Heyman, the division rival is thought to prefer a shorter deal for the position, rather than one in the ballpark of the five-year, $110 million offer the Phillies reportedly made to Realmuto. Nonetheless, the Braves and Realmuto are said to have “mutual interest.”

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski recently said that adding a catcher, shortstop, and bullpen pieces were the team’s top priorities this offseason. And, whether Realmuto re-signs appears to be holding up the team’s other pursuit of a starting shortstop for the 2021 season.

Earlier on Tuesday, Heyman reported that the Phillies are “very likely” to sign one of either Andrelton Simmons, Freddy Galvis, or Didi Gregorius. “[They] may lean Simmons/Galvis due to defense and of course money,” Heyman added. “[It] could change depending on top target Realmuto, who obviously is the big money target.”

If the Phils can indeed “close the deal” for Realmuto, it would surely be a huge sigh of relief for not only fans, but also the front office — which still has other signings to make ahead of spring training’s scheduled start in a few weeks down in Clearwater, Florida.