While the Philadelphia Phillies have a large payroll, among the most in MLB, they aren't always going after outside free agents. When they do, it's typically to fill a clear hole, and the Adolis Garcia $10 million signing was just that.
Nick Castellanos wasn't the answer in right field, and the Phillies addressed that issue by signing Garcia to a $10 million deal. It's not a small contract, and while there's not a lot of concern, some doubt crept in that J.T. Realmuto could return after this deal.
However, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, the Phillies' plan regarding Realmuto hasn't changed despite this $10 million Garcia signing. They still want him back and are trying to re-sign him to a new deal.
Phillies plan for J.T. Realmuto revealed after Adolis Garcia deal
"Dave Dombrowski said the Phillies outfield is pretty much set with Adolis Garcia, Brandon Marsh, and Justin Crawford." Zolecki reports, "The team still wants to sign JT Realmuto."
While the Garcia signing isn't a minor one, the Phillies still have every intention of re-signing Realmuto to be the team's starting catcher.
With a lack of strong options on the open market, retaining Realmuto would be huge for the Phillies. If he signs elsewhere, the Phillies likely won't have the best alternative options.
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Not that this Garcia deal would take them out of Realmuto's market, but there was at least some question as to whether the Phillies would be willing to continue spending this winter.
While Dombrowski wants to build a winning team, he and the front office aren't planning to break the bank in most cases. Realmuto wouldn't require such a scenario, but Garcia's signing could've made things a little tight.
The Phillies have a contract on the table for Realmuto, and are waiting to hear back on their longtime catcher. The 34-year-old might be singing the last big contract of his career, and the Phillies are likely showing the most interest in him at the moment.
Negotiations are likely ongoing, and a resolution doesn't seem any closer than it was before Garcia's signing. Even after the $10 million deal, the Phillies still want Realmuto back and are willing to spend a lot to make it work.
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