Phillies' free agent update on J.T. Realmuto is good news towards extension

Matt Sullivan

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Phillies' free agent update on J.T. Realmuto is good news towards extension image

There are a lot of possible moves still left for the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason, especially when it comes to the catcher position.

J.T. Realmuto and the Phillies are in a contract standoff, and the two sides, so far, aren't budging despite the offseason rolling along.

But a report from Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer revealed some good news for the Phillies' chances of signing Realmuto to a new extension.

Phillies get good news on J.T. Realmuto

"There's still mutual interest in an agreement, according to Major League sources," Lauber writes. "It remains likelier than not that they will come together."

This update from Lauber on the Phillies and Realmuto, amid a "staring contest" between the two sides, is some good news.

The Phillies' options outside of Realmuto this offseason aren't great, and they would likely need to enter the trade market if they want to replace him with a playoff-quality catcher.

For both sides, the best solution is an agreed-upon contract extension. But, as they continue to quibble over the details on a multi-year deal, a future without eachother is possible.

More: Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto prediction shows how bad things would be if Philadelphia doesn’t re-sign him

But Lauber's update suggests that such a future isn't the most likely outcome. Instead, Realmuto and the Phillies are more likely to agree to a new deal than not.

Realmuto is the biggest priority for the Phillies this offseason. While they're showing interest in Bo Bichette and could be a landing spot for a starting pitcher, Realmuto is the top priority, and there needs to be a solution soon.

If they can't agree to a deal, the Phillies have some alternate plans, but for now, the two sides reuniting in free agency is the most likely outcome.

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