J.T. Realmuto appears to be taking spring training into his own hands.
How fitting for a catcher.
Jokes aside, Realmuto was in Tampa, Florida last week, one of 50 MLB players who met with union officials ahead of meetings between the MLBPA and league. Also present were current teammate Didi Gregorius and Andrew McCutchen, who became a free agent in the fall when the Phillies bought out his contract instead of picking up his option.
About 50 MLB players meeting with union officials this afternoon at a Tampa hotel. #Rays spotted include Glasnow, Phillips, McClanahan, Meadows, Yarbrough, Anderson. Others include Pete Alonso, Bo Bichette, JT Realmuto, Kyle Tucker, Aaron Judge, Francisco Lindor
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 10, 2022
That same day, Toronto Blue Jays rookie Alek Manoah posted a video in which he appears to be pitching to none other than Realmuto.
BCIB catching??? 👀👀 https://t.co/vjqClHuNyj
— PHILLIES TBOH (@FS_TBOH) February 13, 2022
If that is indeed Realmuto, as many claim, then where are his pitchers?
When will Phillies spring training start?
It will be interesting to see if the Phillies are one of the teams that take it upon themselves to make their own spring training regimen. Their NL East rival Miami Marlins have already begun to do just that, and they’re officially ahead of schedule; pitchers and catchers would typically report this week.
We stand together and we work as a team to be ready for a successful 2022 ✊🏼 I appreciate my boys commitment and sacrifice to get better every single day. #WeAreTogether pic.twitter.com/CoCT1vwNJR
— Miguel Rojas (@MRojasOfficial) February 10, 2022
Several #Marlins players on the 40MR are working out together in South Florida. This was organized by the players on their own. Jesús Luzardo is throwing live BP right now. Already topping 97-98 MPH FB. pic.twitter.com/GpsSXScO1M
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) February 10, 2022
Message from Miguel Rojas to Marlins fans:
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) February 10, 2022
“We’re getting ready, we’re getting prepared, we’re negotiating something, but at the same time, we’re working together to be ready to give you guys a good product and put a good product on the field.” pic.twitter.com/hiZPpxUNzn
With the news on Saturday that no deal was reached and therefore, spring training (and likely the regular season) will officially be delayed, players on their respective clubs’ 40-man rosters now have to take it upon themselves to make their own spring training. The teams that do so will be ahead of the ones that don’t. As the Phillies roster is still missing several key pieces, the players they do have must organize and do the best they can on their own.
If not, the 2022 Phillies season is lost before it’s even begun.