The Philadelphia Phillies are entering the offseason with four big free agents hitting the open market. While Harrison Bader and Ranger Suarez are likely departing, Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto are strong candidates to re-sign with the Phillies.
But, according to Jen McCaffrey and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Boston Red Sox are showing interest in Realmuto this winter. With a team eyeing Realmuto, there's some concern the Phillies could lose their starting catcher this offseason.
However, in the same report, the Phillies got some good news on their chances of bringing Realmuto back. Despite the Red Sox's interest in Realmuto, the Phillies are still viewed as the favorites to sign the veteran catcher this winter.
Phillies get good news on JT Realmuto's free agency despite interest from Red Sox
"But the Red Sox are showing interest in JT Realmuto, according to people briefed on their discussions." Rosenthal and McCaffrey write. "The best guess with Realmuto is that he will still re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, his team since 2019."
This two-headed report from Rosenthal and McCaffrey is a notable one for the Phillies. Even though there's now a clear team (one that's willing to spend) interested in Realmuto, the Phillies are still the favorites to re-sign him this offseason.
Later in the report, Rosenthal and McCaffrey write, "If Realmuto lands with any team other than the Phillies, it will be a surprise."
That quote is a direct report that suggests that the expectation for Realmuto this offseason is that he returns to the Phillies.
More: Phillies linked to Ketel Marte for potential blockbuster offseason trade
Even though the Red Sox might not be the only team interested in Realmuto this winter, the Phillies have the best chance to sign him to a new contract.
The 34-year-old catcher has been with the Phillies since 2019, and he's been named to two All-Star games in that time. He's helped call pitches for a very strong pitching staff over the last few years and has added quality offense as well.
Bringing Realmuto back is a top priority for the Phillies this offseason, and this report from Rosenthal and McCaffrey is some good news for the chances of a reunion this offseason. Despite interest from the Red Sox, Realmuto's likeliest landing spot is back in Philadelphia.
More Phillies news:
- Phillies' Dave Dombrowski reveals updated Zack Wheeler recovery timeline for 2026 season
- Dave Dombrowski reveals Phillies' free agent plan for Max Kepler
- Phillies' Dave Dombrowski shares four-word message on Nick Castellanos trade rumors
- Phillies linked to Pete Alonso as a Kyle Schwarber replacement
- Why Phillies likely won't trade for Twins' Byron Buxton
- Phillies fielding 'steady' trade interest in trio of left-handed relievers