The Philadelphia Phillies' offseason had been going as planned until it got sidetracked by a wild goose chase for free agent Bo Bichette to begin the new year. When that didn't pan out, they pivoted back to old friend J.T. Realmuto, agreeing to a three-year, $45 million contract with the veteran catcher last Friday.
The team made the signing official on Tuesday morning, but that meant that someone had to go from the already full 40-man roster to make room for Realmuto. Unfortunately for utility player Weston Wilson, his future now hangs in limbo after being designated for assignment, per The Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber.
The move was a little surprising, given the Phillies' history with Wilson and their need for right-handed outfield help. However, being out of options heading into 2026, Wilson would have had to make the Opening Day roster or be DFA'd anyway. He would have had a chance to make the team with a strong spring training, especially after being the early favorite last spring before suffering an oblique injury that derailed his year.
The Phillies officially announced J.T. Realmuto's three-year contract. To open a spot on the 40-man roster, Weston Wilson was designated for assignment.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) January 20, 2026
Weston Wilson's time with Phillies in jeopardy after being DFA'd to make room for J.T. Realmuto
Wilson, 31, has been with the Phillies organization since signing as a free agent in November 2022. A 17th-round draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers, he didn't make his MLB debut until being called up by the Phillies during the 2023 season.
In 103 MLB games (245 plate appearances) spread over three seasons, Wilson slashed .242/.328/.428 with a .756 OPS, nine home runs, 29 RBIs and eight stolen bases.
Whether he winds up getting traded, getting picked up off waivers, or hitting free agency, some team will take a chance on Wilson. He showed flashes of talent during his time with the Phillies, including a scorching stretch last season, but could never sustain it long enough to secure a regular job.
After making a good impression in his brief stints in 2023 and 2024, which included becoming the ninth Phillies player to hit for the cycle, Wilson struggled when given a bigger chance in 2025. He began his season late recovering from the previously mentioned spring training injury. In 54 games (125 plate appearances), he slashed .198/.282/.369 with five home runs and 17 RBIs, while striking out at a 27.2 percent clip.
With Wilson out of the picture, the Phillies still have the right-handed hitting Otto Kemp, who has two minor league options. He seems like the favorite to get a shot at the left field platoon job with Brandon Marsh this season.
The remaining 40-man depth outfielders with options include right-handers Johan Rojas (one option) and Pedro León (two options) as well as lefty prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. (three options). Minor league signing Bryan De La Cruz isn't on the 40-man roster but will be given a chance to show his stuff in Clearwater after putting together an MVP campaign in the Dominican Winter League.
As for Realmuto, his contract includes $5 million in incentives each year, allowing him to boost the total value of his deal up to $60 million through his age-37 season.
While the fan base seems torn on the merits of re-signing a soon-to-be 35-year-old backstop whose bat has been declining, the Phillies needed a starting catcher. Running it back with the veteran was the path of least resistance and helps the Phillies delay having to figure out their succession plan.
They're still hanging their hopes on Realmuto having enough left in the tank to help the rest of the veteran cast bring a World Series title back to Philadelphia.