J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber are set to hit free agency once the Phillies’ season concludes, but Schwarber appears to be the team’s main focus.
Schwarber is having an outstanding season and is expected to be a central figure in the Phillies’ offseason plans. However, committing to him financially could force the team to make sacrifices elsewhere, potentially leading to Realmuto’s departure.
Realmuto has been among the top catchers in the league since arriving in Philadelphia. But at 34 years old, the team might hesitate to offer him a new deal. Although he’s remained a regular behind the plate, that could change with age, and if Schwarber returns, the designated hitter role would no longer be an option for Realmuto.
Make this a certain sentence’If Realmuto is let go, the Phillies will need to find a new catcher. FanSided’s Mark Powell proposed this trade that would bring Adley Rutschman to the Phillies from the Baltimore Orioles:
- Phillies receive: catcher Adley Rutschman
- Orioles receive: right-handed pitcher Taijuan Walker, right-handed pitcher Moises Chace (Phillies’ No. 8 prospect) and first baseman Keaton Anthony (Phillies’ No. 15 prospect)
Adley Rutschman is a two-time All-Star, though he’s having a slower year in 2025. Meanwhile, the Orioles recently locked in catcher Samuel Basallo with an eight-year, \$67 million contract.
Basallo’s extension could make Rutschman more accessible in a trade. Despite a tough current season, Rutschman still has the potential to become one of the top catchers in baseball.
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