The Phillies came into this offseason with a clear mission: bring back their core. Step one?
Done - Kyle Schwarber is back in red pinstripes, locked in on a five-year, $150 million deal. But step two - re-signing veteran catcher J.T.
Realmuto - is still hanging in the balance as the team inches closer to the holidays.
Philadelphia hasn’t been sitting on its hands. The front office has already put multiple multi-year offers on the table for Realmuto and has been waiting patiently for a decision.
There’s still optimism that a reunion will happen, but the Phillies aren’t assuming anything. And frankly, they can’t afford to.
Realmuto is doing what any smart veteran would do - testing the waters. He’s weighing his options across the free agent market, while the Phillies are quietly preparing for a Plan B behind the plate.
Catcher Contingency Plans in Motion
The Phillies know the free agent catching pool beyond Realmuto is shallow. So if the veteran backstop decides to take his talents elsewhere, they’ll likely have to turn to the trade market. According to reports, the front office has already begun exploring potential deals with other clubs - not because a Realmuto exit is imminent, but because they can’t afford to be caught flat-footed.
Internally, the depth chart isn’t ideal. Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs are both out of minor league options, which means they’d be exposed to waivers if they don’t make the big-league roster. That’s a risky proposition, especially with catching depth always at a premium around the league.
So, while nothing is brewing just yet, the Phillies are actively checking in with teams that might be open to moving a catcher. Names like Pedro Pagés (Cardinals), J.C.
Escarra (Yankees), Jose Trevino (Reds), and Connor Wong (Red Sox) have surfaced as possible targets. None of them bring Realmuto’s resume, but they could offer a younger, cheaper alternative if the Phillies are forced to pivot.
Why Realmuto Still Makes the Most Sense
Let’s not lose the plot here - Realmuto is still the guy they want. He’s been the anchor behind the plate in Philly for seven seasons, and his familiarity with the pitching staff is invaluable.
Even as he enters his age-35 season, he remains one of the most respected defensive catchers in the game. His pop time is elite, his arm is still a weapon, and while his offensive numbers dipped a bit last season (.257 average, .700 OPS over 134 games), he’s still a top-tier option at a position where that kind of production is rare.
The Phillies know what they have in Realmuto. They also know what they’d be losing if he walks - leadership, experience, and a steady hand behind the dish.
That’s why they’ve made multiple offers and are still hopeful he’ll return. But hope isn’t a strategy, and the front office is wisely preparing for every possible outcome.
What Happens If Realmuto Walks
If Realmuto signs elsewhere, the Phillies will have some flexibility - both roster-wise and financially. His projected salary in the $13-$16 million range could be redirected into another area of need, potentially opening the door for a splash elsewhere in free agency. But that’s a tough trade-off to make, especially considering how central Realmuto has been to the team’s recent success.
Still, this is the business side of baseball. As much as the Phillies want Realmuto back, they’re not going to make the mistake of assuming a deal is done until the ink is dry. That’s how smart front offices operate - stay aggressive, stay prepared, and don’t get caught without a backup plan.
For now, the Phillies are playing the waiting game. But behind the scenes, they’re making sure that no matter how this plays out, they’ll be ready to move.