There is one major move the Philadelphia Phillies are looking to try to do this winter: re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto.
But, if they can't agree to a new deal, which is very much on the table amid the standoff between the two sides, the Phillies need to use his money on other players.
Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer revealed an interesting possible plan for the Phillies, which could feature the return of beloved lefty Ranger Saurez, thanks to Realmuto departing this offseason.
Phillies could re-sign Ranger Suarez if Realmuto leaves
For starters, if the Phillies wind up losing Realmuto to another team in free agency, or simply can't agree to a new deal, they will pivot to a cheaper option by either trade or free agency. The savings from going with a cheaper option won't go to waste.
"The savings could then be applied to another area of the roster," Lauber writes. "Maybe an addition to the rotation - Ranger Suarez is still available - or the bullpen?"
Lauber's idea of the Phillies using the extra money from losing out on Realmuto to re-sign Suarez would be a bittersweet move for the Phillies.
Losing Realmtuo and downgrading at catcher would be an issue this season. But getting Suarez back would be an incredible bit of news.
More: Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto prediction shows how bad things would be if Philadelphia doesn’t re-sign him
Not only is Suarez a fan-favorite in Philadelphia, but he's a quality lefty starter who has a career 1.48 ERA in the postseason.
Downgrading at catcher would sting, but bringing Suarez back would make up for such a loss. Having him back in the rotation would be huge, especially with some uncertainty about Zack Wheeler amid injury and Jesus Luzardo amid free agency after 2026.
Lauber's idea would be about as good as it could get for the Phillies if they lose out on Realmuto. The mention that they will try to allocate the money for Realmuto elsewhere is some good news for fans, and Suarez being an option would be a dream scenario.
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