The Philadelphia Phillies could be entering their final season with their current core. Left-hander Ranger Suárez, catcher J.T. Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber are three players who have been with the organization for the last several years, and the trio will all be free agents next winter.
Realmuto continues to provide value to the Phillies, particularly defensively. Despite his knee injury last year, he is one of the more reliable catchers in innings caught. What does the future hold for him remaining with the club beyond this year?
The Athletic's Jayson Stark believes the Phillies will not offer a contract extension to J.T. Realmuto
On the Hittin' Season podcast, John Stolnis spoke with Jayson Stark of The Athletic, discussing the possibility of the Phillies agreeing to extensions with Reamuto and Schwarber. Stark believes it is more likely they offer one to the designated hitter/left fielder than the catcher.
“I don’t think there’s an extension coming for J.T.,” Stark said about Realmuto. “He’s a catcher moving into his mid-30s, and my sense is they’ll do with him what they did with him last time. If you remember, they let it play out and he got all the way to free agency and then they wound up signing him. If he’s back next year, I think that’s how it will work.”
Stark's point of view on the topic is valid. The Phillies waited to sign Realmuto until the offseason following the 2020 season. The catcher agreed to a five-year, $115.5 million contract in January 2021. The probability is high that Philadelphia may wait until next winter to sign him.
The Phillies don't have a reliable replacement for Realmuto who can assume the starting catcher's role next year. Backup Garrett Stubbs is not productive enough offensively to be a starter. Rafael Marchán has been unable to stay healthy during his career.
Marchan does offer more long-term upside as he is six years younger than Stubbs. The San Cristobal, Venezuela, native had an .894 OPS in 17 games with Philadelphia last year, filling in for an injured Realmuto.
Philadelphia's No. 4 prospect Eduardo Tait looks to be the club's future at the position. According to MLB Pipeline, his estimated debut in the majors will not be until 2028. The Phillies could offer an extension to Realmuto next offseason for the next two to three seasons, waiting for the youngster to take over the reins as their starting catcher.
Realmuto remains focused on winning a World Series. If the Phillies don't achieve their goal again this year, will the catcher reassess his options and consider signing with another contender next offseason if he is offered a contract? Over the next few seasons, the Phillies will retool the roster with a number of players on expiring contracts. The club also has several prospects in their farm system who will be ready for the majors.
Are the Phillies taking a risk by not offering Realmuto an extension before next winter? Yes and no. Philadelphia doesn't have a solution for a starting catcher next year if he isn't brought back on a new deal. However, what if he misses time with an injury during a second consecutive season? If that happens, it would be fair to wonder if it is in the Phillies' best interest to sign him to another contract next winter.
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