The Phillies made a bold move Friday morning, quickly pivoting after losing out on Bo Bichette to the Mets by locking up one of their own. J.T.
Realmuto is back in Philadelphia on a three-year, $45 million deal that includes $15 million in annual salary and up to $15 million more in incentives. It’s a significant commitment to a catcher who turns 35 this season - and it raises some serious questions about both the short- and long-term outlook for this team behind the plate.
Let’s be clear: Realmuto has been one of the best all-around catchers of his era. He’s earned that reputation with a combination of athleticism, leadership, and defensive prowess that few at the position have matched over the past decade. But the version of Realmuto the Phillies are bringing back isn’t the same guy who was winning Gold Gloves and anchoring the lineup just a few seasons ago.
Defensive decline is real
Realmuto’s defense - once a calling card - has taken a noticeable step back. By Fielding Run Value, a metric that captures a player’s total defensive contribution, he posted a -10 in 2023, a -4 in 2024, and a -5 this past season.
That’s three straight years of below-average defense, and it’s not just the numbers doing the talking. The eye test backs it up, too.
Yes, he can still throw out runners - his pop time remains elite - but the rest of his defensive game has slipped. Pitch-framing, blocking, and general consistency behind the dish have all seen a dip. In today’s game, where every strike matters and framing remains a crucial skill for catchers, that decline can’t be ignored.
Offensive output has dipped, too
Realmuto’s bat hasn’t picked up the slack. In 2025, he posted a .700 OPS and a 91 OPS+, marking his worst offensive season since 2015.
That’s below league average, and for a player who’s expected to contribute in the middle of the lineup, it’s a concern. He’s still capable of the occasional big swing, but the power and consistency that once made him a dangerous hitter are becoming harder to find.
So why the deal?
The Phillies didn’t have many appealing alternatives. With Rafael Marchán still unproven and not ready to shoulder a full season behind the plate, bringing Realmuto back offered stability. He knows the pitching staff, he’s a respected voice in the clubhouse, and he’s still one of the better athletes at the position - even at his age.
But stability comes at a price, and $15 million per year for a catcher entering his mid-30s with declining production on both sides of the ball is a gamble. If Realmuto can bounce back - even modestly - the deal could look justifiable. But if the downward trends continue, this contract could become an anchor on the Phillies’ payroll sooner than later.
What’s next for Philly?
This move signals that the Phillies are still in win-now mode. They’re banking on Realmuto’s experience, leadership, and the hope that he can recapture some of his past form.
But make no mistake: the margin for error is thin. If the bat doesn’t rebound and the defense doesn’t stabilize, the Phillies could be staring at a tough three-year stretch behind the plate.
For now, Realmuto is back in red pinstripes - and the Phillies are betting that the veteran catcher has more left in the tank than the numbers suggest. Time will tell if that bet pays off.