The Philadelphia Phillies have already made a flurry of notable moves this offseason, but there’s still work to be done. Whether it’s adding more talent in free agency or making trades, the Phillies’ 2026 roster is far from complete.
Two of the Phillies’ biggest priorities this offseason were to re-sign Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto. Schwarber was brought back on a massive 5-year, $150 million contract, but Realmuto remains a free agent.
Phillies still waiting on J.T. Realmuto decision
The Phillies reportedly have had an offer on the table for Realmuto for a few weeks, but the veteran is still exploring options. Although the exact offer is unknown, it’s likely a two-year deal in the $30-$35 million range.
Realmuto was expected to sign a two-year contract this offseason, whether it was with the Phillies or another team, but he could be holding out for a third year or third-year option. The Phillies must decide if it’s worth it to commit that much to a soon-to-be 35-year-old catcher who has shown signs of regression over the last couple of years.
Rafael Marchán ready for larger role with Phillies
The catching options are slim in both free agency and in the Phillies’ organization if Realmuto signs elsewhere this offseason. Realmuto’s backup in 2025, Rafael Marchán, is the top option to replace him and sounds ready to take the reins after learning from his potential predecessor.
“Look, it’s a really great experience,” Marchán said about his experience playing behind Realmuto, per Líder’s Eduardo Chapellin. “I have to thank God for putting that person [Realmuto] in my path. I’ve learned a lot from him, especially now in his final years of his career.”
Marchán was once a top prospect in the Phillies’ organization, but injuries affected his development and derailed his career. He played in 23 games between 2020 and 2021 with the Phillies before finally taking advantage of an opportunity with the big league club in 2024.
Realmuto missed significant time during the 2024 season, resulting in increased playing time for both Marchán and Garrett Stubbs. Marchán showed flashes of what he’s capable of both offensively and defensively in the 17 games he played in while Realmuto was out, hitting .294 with seven extra-base hits.
Marchán won the backup catcher job in spring training over Stubbs to be Realmuto’s backup in 2025. He hit just .210, but he played sparingly, logging only 105 at-bats due to how much of a workhorse Realmuto proved to be.
Now, with Realmuto’s future with the Phillies uncertain, Marchán is ready to take on a larger role in 2026. The soon-to-be 27-year-old switch-hitting catcher is a question mark, but he’s never had the chance to prove himself at the major league level as an everyday-type catcher.
“The way he prepares, the way he communicates with the pitchers, the way he works with the guys on the team,” Marchán said about the impact Realmuto had on him in 2025 and what it means for the rest of his career, per Chapellin. “I think it has been quite important for me, because he has taught me and made me aspire to more things as a player so I can stay here in this sport as long as possible.”
Not only is Marchán much younger than Realmuto, but he’s also much cheaper. The Phillies could sign a veteran catcher in free agency for far less money than the aging Realmuto or make a trade to provide insurance just in case Marchán isn’t ready to be an everyday catcher.
Realmuto has done great things for the Phillies since the organization acquired him from the Miami Marlins in 2019, but a change may be what’s best for the team moving forward.