Image Source: Andy Backstrom
Key Takeaways:
- The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million deal
- Realmuto is a three-time All-Star and has been with the Phillies since 2019
- The team missed out on signing former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, who agreed to a deal with the New York Mets
- Realmuto is known for his reliability and ability to handle pitchers, as well as his hitting prowess
- The Phillies have also re-signed slugger Kyle Schwarber and extended manager Rob Thomson’s contract
Introduction to the Deal
The Philadelphia Phillies have reached an agreement to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million deal, according to multiple reports. As a three-time All-Star, Realmuto was the top free-agent catcher available this offseason, and the Phillies are pleased to have him back on board. As Realmuto himself has noted, "I’m excited to be back with the Phillies and to be a part of this team for the next three years." The 34-year-old has been with the Phillies since 2019 and will remain a key member of the team’s core for the next three seasons.
The Impact of Missing Out on Bo Bichette
The news of Realmuto’s deal broke the same day the Phillies missed out on signing former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, who agreed to a free-agent deal with the rival New York Mets. The Phillies had met with Bichette on a video call earlier in the week and were considered a serious suitor for the 27-year-old. However, Bichette’s decision to join the Mets means that the Phillies will not have to consider trading third baseman Alec Bohm, as had been rumored. As one Phillies insider noted, "We’re happy to have J.T. back, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the rest of the offseason plays out."
Realmuto’s Skills and Abilities
Realmuto is widely regarded as one of the most reliable backstops in the majors, and his skills behind the plate are a key factor in the Phillies’ decision to re-sign him. As the team’s manager, Rob Thomson, noted, "J.T. is a leader on our team, and his ability to handle our pitchers is unmatched." Last season, Realmuto made an MLB-high 132 appearances behind the plate, and he has maintained his ability to throw out base runners, as evidenced by his tying for the fastest pop time to second base in the major leagues in 2025, per Statcast. Additionally, Realmuto is known for his processing ability and in-game communication with pitchers, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Realmuto’s Hitting Ability
As a hitter, Realmuto has been a lineup staple in 11 MLB seasons, and he has mashed double-digit homers in all of them. This past season, he hit.257 with 12 big flies, 26 doubles, 1 triple, and 52 RBI. While his.700 OPS was his lowest since 2015, Realmuto has a proven track record of producing offense, and his ability to come through in big moments is a key factor in the Phillies’ decision to re-sign him. As Realmuto himself noted, "I’m proud of my ability to produce offense, and I’m looking forward to continuing to do so for the next three years."
Concerns About Wear and Tear
There are some questions about the wear and tear Realmuto has experienced to this point in his career. Since he joined the Phillies in 2019, he has caught 1,183 1/3 more innings than anyone else in MLB, according to The Athletic. This has led to some concerns about his long-term health and durability, but the Phillies are confident that Realmuto will continue to be a key contributor to the team. As one team official noted, "We’re aware of the concerns about J.T.’s wear and tear, but we’re confident that he’ll continue to be a key part of our team for the next three years."
Other Offseason Moves
The Phillies have also been active in the offseason, re-signing 32-year-old slugger Kyle Schwarber to a five-year contract and extending manager Rob Thomson’s contract through 2027. However, the team has also lost some key players, including left-handed starting pitcher Ranger Suárez, who inked a deal with the Boston Red Sox this week. As the offseason continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the Phillies choose to fill the gaps in their roster and prepare for the upcoming season. As Thomson noted, "We’re always looking to improve our team, and we’re excited to see how the rest of the offseason plays out."
https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/breaking-news/article/phillies-reportedly-re-signing-catcher-jt-realmuto-to-3-year-45-million-deal-after-mets-land-bo-bichette-183821939.html
