Phillies have made calls on other catchers due to uncertainty of JT Realmuto’s future

Jon Conahan

Phillies have made calls on other catchers due to uncertainty of JT Realmuto’s future image

The Philadelphia Phillies are still waiting on clarity from catcher J.T. Realmuto, a player who isn’t what he once was, but is probably someone they need. 

While nothing is finalized when it comes to J.T. Realmuto, the expectation around the league hasn’t really changed, as a reunion still feels like the most likely outcome.

Realmuto has been a big part of the core as pitchers trust him and teammates seem to lovehim. For a team that’s in as big of a win-now window position as any in baseball, not having a competent catcher matters more than people are giving it thought. 

That’s not to say the Phllies haven’t looked at others, but those players feel more like backups than the ideal outcome.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic had the latest on the situation, including some players who could fit. 

“One of these days, the Phillies will get a resolution on free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto. A reunion still appears the most likely outcome, unless the Phillies want to trade for a catcher such as Minnesota’s Ryan Jeffers or sign a free agent such as Victor Caratini,” he wrote.

Trading for Jeffers would cost prospects and while he’s a fine player, he isn’t much to write home about. Caratini is a fine player, but again, nothing to write home about. 

The safer bet would be to re-sign Realmuto, even if it’s on a short-term deal.

More Phillies news:

Contributing Writer