The Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason will likely be dominated by decisions surrounding Kyle Schwarber, but he’s not the only major All-Star set to hit free agency. J.T. Realmuto will also be on the market this offseason. The star catcher previously signed a five-year, \$115 million contract in 2021 after being traded to the Phillies in 2019. Since then, he’s established himself as one of the top catchers in the game.
Realmuto has posted a solid .268/.330/.454 slash line with 117 home runs over 802 games with the Phillies. His ability to handle the catcher position regularly has been crucial, as it allows the team to utilize the designated hitter spot for players like Schwarber, keeping their lineup versatile and strong.
At 34 years old, J.T. Realmuto is still having a strong season, even though his offensive numbers have dipped slightly. Despite the slight decline at the plate, he remains elite in other areas. According to Baseball Savant, he has the best pop time in baseball, and he’s still one of the fastest catchers around, which speaks to his overall athleticism and defensive value.
However, the Phillies may face some tough decisions when it comes to re-signing him. Paying a catcher at Realmuto’s age—especially with the wear and tear of the position—could be risky. Catchers typically face a quicker decline as they age, so committing to him long-term could raise concerns about long-term durability and value, even though his current impact is undeniable.
With Schwarber seemingly the top priority, the Phillies may not be able to pay Realmuto. However, the star catcher is not letting that affect him.
“It’s definitely in the back of your head,” said Realmuto, per NJ.com’s Bill Evans. “I’ve just tried to focus on winning. I’ve been here a long time. Obviously, I’ve enjoyed my time here. As long as we have a good season and go on and win the World Series, everything will take care of itself. That’s kind of my thought process right now.”
The offseason for the Phillies will be interesting. Paying Schwarber all but guarantees the DH spot will be occupied, meaning if Realmuto’s age forces him to catch fewer games, the team could have a problem.
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