The Phillies are running it back with one of their clubhouse leaders, as J.T. Realmuto has officially signed a three-year, $45 million deal to stay in Philadelphia through the 2028 season.
The veteran catcher will earn $15 million annually, with performance-based bonuses that could push the total value of the contract to $60 million. And for the Phillies, that upside is more of a motivator than a risk.
The timing of the deal is notable. News of Realmuto’s agreement broke just hours after the Phillies missed out on Bo Bichette, who landed with the Mets. It was a quick pivot, but also a clear message: the Phillies are sticking with their core, and Realmuto remains a key piece of the puzzle.
At 34, Realmuto is no longer the same bat-flipping, base-stealing unicorn who once redefined the catcher position. But he’s still one of the most respected backstops in the game, and his track record in Philly speaks for itself - 121 home runs, 434 RBIs, and a .265 average since arriving from Miami in 2019. He’s been a stabilizing force behind the plate and a steady contributor in the middle of the order.
A Deal That Makes Sense for Both Sides
From a financial standpoint, the $15 million per year puts Realmuto right at the top of the catcher market, tied with Sean Murphy for the highest 2026 salary at the position. He edges out the likes of Alejandro Kirk, William Contreras, and Cal Raleigh - all younger, rising stars - but Realmuto’s resume still commands that kind of respect.
Where this deal gets interesting is in the incentives. Realmuto can earn an extra $2 million for being voted an All-Star starter by the fans (or $1 million if selected by players, coaches, or the league). There’s another $1 million each for a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger, and $2 million more if he finishes in the top 10 of NL MVP voting.
For the Phillies, these are the kind of bonuses you want to pay. If Realmuto is earning them, it means he’s playing at an elite level again - and that’s exactly what this team needs as it eyes another deep postseason run.
Can Realmuto Reignite His Bat?
That’s the big question. Last season, Realmuto’s bat didn’t quite hold up its end of the bargain.
In 134 games, he hit .257 with 12 homers and 52 RBIs - numbers that dipped below his career norms. His average was off from his .270 career mark, and the power just wasn’t there.
To put it in perspective: from 2021 through 2023, he went deep 59 times in 408 games - that’s one homer every 6.91 games. Since 2024?
Just 26 homers in 233 games, or one every 8.96. That’s a noticeable drop-off, especially for a guy who’s been counted on to provide pop in the middle of the lineup.
The good news for the Phillies is that Realmuto’s glove hasn’t slipped. He remains a plus defender, with game-calling, framing, and leadership that don’t show up in the box score but matter every bit as much. Still, if Philly’s going to make a serious October push, they’ll need more offense from their backstop.
The Catching Picture in Philly
With the ink dry on Realmuto’s deal, the Phillies’ catching depth chart is pretty much set. He’ll be the starter, with Rafael Marchán likely backing him up. Garrett Stubbs is still in the mix as well, though he’s out of minor league options and would need to clear waivers to stay in the organization if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.
Realmuto joins Kyle Schwarber and Adolis García as the Phillies’ key offensive pieces heading into the new season. It’s a group with some serious thump - and now, with Realmuto locked in for three more years, there’s a clear sense of continuity and leadership behind the plate.
The Phillies didn’t land their big-ticket shortstop this winter, but they kept one of their most important voices in the clubhouse. And if Realmuto can rediscover even a portion of his All-Star form, this deal could be a catalyst for another deep October run.