As the winter free agency period unfolds, the future of J.T. Realmuto, the Philadelphia Phillies’ star catcher, remains uncertain. The organization prioritizes re-signing Realmuto, who has been a key player since 2019. Meanwhile, the team is also exploring other player options, specifically infielder Bo Bichette.
Realmuto’s Importance to the Phillies
Realmuto is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier catchers. Teammate Kyle Schwarber even reached out to him after signing a five-year extension, urging him to consider a similar contract. Pitcher Cristopher Sánchez emphasized Realmuto’s value, stating, “We’re basically nothing without him.”
If Realmuto does not return, the Phillies face a significant gap at the catcher position, prompting a need for alternative strategies. Here’s a closer look at their potential options if they cannot secure Realmuto’s services.
Options for the Phillies at Catcher
Option 1: Internal Candidates
The Phillies have two catchers on their 40-man roster: Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs. Realmuto’s age, turning 35 in March, raises concerns about his workload. Last season, he played 134 games, primarily behind the plate, matching Patrick Bailey for the most National League games caught.
- Rafael Marchán: Marchán, 26, had a batting average of .210 and an OPS of .587 last season. His defensive skills, including a popular pop time of 1.88 seconds, have shown promise.
- Garrett Stubbs: Stubbs spent most of last season in Triple-A, hitting .265 with a .754 OPS. He too has limited major league experience, making reliance on these two a risk for the Phillies.
Both catchers are out of options for the 2026 season, complicating the team’s depth at the position. To enhance their options, the Phillies signed Mark Kolozsvary and René Pinto to minor league contracts.
Option 2: Free Agency
If Realmuto departs, the free-agent market for catchers is limited. Realmuto stands out as the top available catcher, possessing a 2.5 bWAR from last season. Other notable options include:
- Victor Caratini: At 32, Caratini had a .259 batting average with 12 home runs last season, but would be a downgrade from Realmuto.
- Jonah Heim: Heim, a former All-Star, was nontendered and had a .213 average in 124 games last season. His defensive metrics also fall short of Realmuto’s.
The Phillies must weigh the risks of pursuing these options against the potential loss of Realmuto.
Option 3: Trade Acquisitions
Trading may offer the best chance to replace Realmuto. Several teams have potential trade candidates:
- Ryan Jeffers (Twins): Jeffers had a batting average of .266 last season, making him a viable option for teams looking to enhance their catching depth.
- Tyler Stephenson (Reds): With a .231 batting average and 88 games played, Stephenson could be a trade option for the Phillies as the Reds have catching flexibility.
Negotiating a trade could provide the Phillies with a comparable player to Realmuto, setting them up for continued success.
Conclusion
The coming weeks are pivotal for the Phillies as they navigate the uncertain waters of free agency and potential trades. Retaining Realmuto remains the ideal scenario, yet securing a reliable catcher is crucial regardless of his decision.
