Phillies' biggest question mark still looms over offseason as catching market stalls

The Philadelphia Phillies have addressed some of their roster needs in the offseason. They re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a multi-year contract and added Adolis García on a one-year deal to be their new right fielder. They have also made changes to their bullpen, most notably, signing Brad Keller and trading Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals.

However, one of the remaining concerns that still needs to be sorted out is who will be the Phillies' starting catcher in 2026?

The Phillies offered J.T. Realmuto a contract earlier in the offseason. The veteran backstop is mulling over any other offers he may receive. If Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski wants to resolve the uncertainty at catcher soon, he will need to propose a new deal that will convince Realmuto he won't receive a better contract offer.

Phillies' biggest question is who will be the starting catcher in 2026

MLB.com's Todd Zolecki recently broke down the Phillies' current situation at catcher.

"The Phillies initially made what they believed to be a legitimate offer to re-sign J.T. Realmuto, but Realmuto and his representation have felt differently about it. Could another team swoop in, surprise the Phillies and sign him in the coming weeks? Of course. But the belief remains that the Phillies and Realmuto will find common ground. If not, however, the Phillies will need to turn to Plan B. None of the options are ideal."

There aren't many viable solutions at the position in free agency if the Phillies don't bring back Realmuto. The top available option is Victor Caratini. He had 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, and a .259/.324/.404 slash line with a .728 OPS in 114 contests with the Houston Astros last season.

If the Phillies don't re-sign Realmuto, Dombrowski may trade for a starting catcher. It remains to be seen which franchises are willing to part with a younger starter at the position.

Another unknown issue is how the club feels about increasing Rafael Marchán's playing time. Are they comfortable with him as the starting backstop or as an option to platoon with another catcher they sign or trade for if Realmuto doesn't return?

Realmuto is declining offensively. He slashed .257/.315/.384 with a .699 OPS, 12 homers and 52 RBIs in 134 gameslast season. He played 135 games in 2023 and compiled 20 home runs and 63 RBIs with a .252/.310/.452 slash line and a .762 OPS.

The Phillies will be promoting some much-needed youth to a veteran roster during this season. Prospects Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter may both make the Phillies' Opening Day roster. Aidan Miller may be promoted by late summer or the end of the regular season. If Realmuto doesn't re-sign, the organization will be presented with another opportunity to get younger at another position if they trade for a catcher.

Dombrowski needs to decide soon on the Phillies' starting catcher for the upcoming season. If the Phillies want Realmuto back on a short-term deal, they will need to make a more generous contract offer that he won't receive from another interested franchise.