Since the Philadelphia Phillies traded for Realmuto back in 2019, the catcher has been a star player for the team. Fans are certainly interested in seeing the Gold Glove recipient and three-time All-Star return after this season, and it looks like the feeling is mutual.
The star catcher’s contract with the Phillies is up at the end of the 2025 season, and he has expressed an interest in remaining in Philly.
J.T. Realmuto addresses contract extension, says what Phillies fans want to hear
In a recent interview with Scott Lauber for Phillies Extra, Realmuto expressed an interest in returning to Philadelphia.
“Obviously I have interest in coming back to the Phillies," Realmuto said. "I love being here. My wife loves it here, my family. Their friends are all in the organization. So, there’s certainly interest on our end. I would hope the Phillies have interest, as well.”
Of course, it's hard to tell what a contract extension may look like for Realmuto, who is in his mid-30s. But Carlos Ruiz, the former (and World Series-winning) Phillies catcher, signed a pretty notable extension with the team back in 2013 when he was 34, agreeing to a three-year deal worth $26 million.
Plus, the team seems focused on finding a viable solution that will lessen Realmuto's workload in the coming season and, hopefully, decrease his chance of injury.
Recently it has been reported that the Phillies are playing with the idea of trying Realmuto out in left field, per On Pattinson's Tim Kelly.
"I've talked to him about maybe taking some fly balls in the outfield because he's really athletic," Rob Thompson said, per Kelly. "And see how he is with that. So, you know, we're gonna just try some different things."
Realmuto is receptive to the idea, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, saying, "At the end of the day … whatever gives us the best chance to win, I’ll give it a shot."
“If he wants me to go out there and stand on my head, I’ll try to do that," Realmuto added.
But in the meantime, the Phillies catcher is focused on the same thing as fans: getting that World Series win. In his interview with On Pattinson's Tim Kelly, Realmuto reflects on “how fast the last 5 years has gone,” noting that it seems crazy to already be back in contract discussion. And though “open to conversations” regarding a contract extension, Realmuto’s main focus is on the season ahead.
J.T. Realmuto says he’s “open to conversations” on an extension, also talks about how crazy it is to be back in a contract year already.
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) February 14, 2025
(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/d2NpHaztPI
“I want to win,” Realmuto said, per Zolecki. “At the end of the day, if the Phillies win and we have a good season, the contract stuff is going to take care of itself.”
After the city of Philadelphia just celebrated a Super Bowl win with a parade down Broad Street for the Eagles, that feeling of victory is fresh in the minds of Philly sports fans. What could be better than another parade, this time for the Phillies?