As we cruise into December, the Philadelphia Phillies still have yet to make a significant move this offseason, either on the trade front or in free agency. That might change in the coming weeks, with the MLB Winter Meetings around the corner. And the move we could see sooner rather than later is a reunion with catcher J.T. Realmuto.
While the Phillies have long been the favorite to re-sign the aging Realmuto, former MLB general manager Jim Bowden recently made that outcome sound even more likely. During a recent show on MLB Network Radio, Bowden broke down the backstop's current market.
With Realmuto now finished with his five-year, $115.5 million deal he signed ahead of the 2021 season, he's looking for a new team for 2026. Even though he's turning 35 before Opening Day, he's thought to have a robust market, thanks to the lack of talent in the free agent pool this winter.
Phillies remain favorites to re-sign J.T. Realmuto, despite interest from other clubs
The Phillies currently have Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs penciled in for 2026 catching duties. Neither provides much confidence as an everyday MLB backstop, so the Phillies have emphasized that Realmuto is their priority this offseason, after re-signing Kyle Schwarber. Bowden confirms what everyone else around baseball has been predicting, thinking that Realmuto will sign back with the Phillies.
Bowden says that Realmuto's camp is looking for a two-year contract for the three-time All-Star. He could earn around $15-$16 million per season, based on early offseason predictions. But that number could climb if multiple teams push up the price and the Phillies are forced to match.
Two potential landing spots, besides Philadelphia, include the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers, according to Bowden. We had already heard about the Red Sox's interest. They currently have Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong under contract, so adding Realmuto would be a big upgrade.
The Rangers recently non-tendered 2023 World Series catcher Jonah Heim after both his offense and defense have taken a nosedive since winning the Fall Classic. They currently have Kyle Higashioka under contract for one more season at $6.75 million, with a mutual option for 2027.
Realmuto is coming off his worst offensive year in the seven seasons with the Phillies. He hit .257 with a .700 OPS (91 OPS+), his lowest mark in red pinstripes. He managed just 12 home runs and 52 RBIs in 134 games. The three-time Silver Slugger hit 14 dingers and drove in 47 in only 99 games in 2024.
Despite his decline with the bat, the Phillies want Realmuto back behind the plate to maintain a sense of stability handling the pitching staff as they try to win a World Series with the veteran core. He still controls the running game, with the fastest pop time (1.86 seconds) to second base this season.