J.T. Realmuto has been an integral part of the Philadelphia Phillies since they acquired him in a February 2019 trade with the Miami Marlins. Even though he will be 35 by the start of next season, Realmuto remains arguably the best player at his position defensively. If he doesn't re-sign with the Phillies, it will be difficult for the club to replace him, especially if they turn to the free agents available at catcher.
There's now a new option in free agency for Philadelphia to consider as a replacement for Realmuto. The Texas Rangers non-tendered Jonah Heim ahead of Friday's deadline. Does Heim add any intrigue to the catching free agent pool? Could the Phillies consider him a viable option if they need a starting backstop for 2026?
Should Phillies consider signing Jonah Heim if J.T. Realmuto doesn't return?
Jonah Heim made progress in 2022 with the Rangers. He totaled 20 doubles, 16 home runs, 48 RBIs, and a .227/.298/.399 slash line in 127 games. The 30-year-old followed that up in 2023 with his best statistical performance to date.
Heim contributed to the Rangers' World Series-winning season in 2023 with a career-high 18 home runs. The native of Buffalo, New York, led all catchers with 95 RBIs in 131 games. He finished with a .258/.317/.438 line and a .755 OPS.
Defensively, Heim finished with a .998 fielding percentage. He caught 24 runners stealing, which was good for a high score of 92 in caught stealing above average, according to Baseball Savant.
Heim contributed three home runs and eight RBIs in 17 playoff contests, including a hit in each of his first seven postseason games. He had multiple hits in Games 5 and 7 of the 2023 ALCS versus the Houston Astros.
IT'S HEIM TIME TO GO HOME! #AllForTX pic.twitter.com/nzdIkm4YcK
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) April 6, 2025
Why Phillies shouldn't turn to Jonah Heim as J.T. Realmuto's replacement
However, Heim has regressed since 2023. In 2024, he slashed .220/.267/.336 with a .603 OPS, 13 home runs and 59 RBIs, 10th among catchers a year after leading the category. His OPS was one of the lowest among the top 25 catchers who played the most games. The 2014 fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles saw his doubles drop from 28 to 12, the lowest of his five seasons playing for Texas. His fWAR decreased from a career-high 4.0 in 2023 to an underwhelming -0.1.
Defensively, the catcher saw significant drops in 2024 from his excellent 2023. He had a .993 fielding percentage and caught 14 runners stealing, 10 less than the year before. His -7 caught stealing above average score ranked in the second percentile, a significant drop from his +5 caught stealing above average in 2024. His framing score also dropped from 95 to 74.
Heim's hitting didn't improve in 2025. His 69 wRC+ was his lowest since 2021. In 124 games, he slashed .213/.271/.332 with a .603 OPS, 11 home runs and 43 RBIs, 26th among catchers with at least 120 games, while his OPS was again one of the lowest among starting catchers.
He improved his catching numbers slightly this year. The backstop had a .996 fielding percentage, but his advanced catching metrics were again below average.
Heim isn't as good as Realmuto offensively or defensively. The former Rangers backstop will be looking for a fresh start and may improve playing with a club like the Phillies that has a strong lineup. However, they should explore their options via trade first to determine if they can find a better solution if Realmuto doesn't return.