Phillies predicted to trade for $6M, 2-time All-Star catcher, potentially ending JT Realmuto talks

Hunter Cookston

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Phillies predicted to trade for $6M, 2-time All-Star catcher, potentially ending JT Realmuto talks image

The Philadelphia Phillies are in for an exciting offseason. There will likely be some reunions—and some breakups. Two of the main names to watch are Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto. Both veterans have been integral to the team over the past few years, but they may not both return. Schwarber, in particular, is expected to command a high price.

“Kyle Schwarber's market sounds like five years, $150M-$170M, from what Jim Bowden is hearing,” Foul Territory posted.

Schwarber had one of the best bats in baseball this past season and proved himself to be a true power hitter. Realmuto, however, is as good as they come behind the plate. His elite defensive skills make him an especially attractive candidate this offseason, which could make it even harder for the Phillies to keep him.

“Some rival executives expect Realmuto to draw more free-agent interest this winter than Kyle Schwarber,” The Athletic’s Matt Gelb says. “That’s not to suggest Realmuto will receive a larger deal than Schwarber; he won’t. But the sheer number of teams interested in Realmuto could boost his market.”

Because of this, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicts the Phillies may target Baltimore Orioles’ Adley Rutschman in a trade.

“Adley Rutschman looked like a franchise cornerstone in Baltimore just a few years ago, but after the team signed young catcher Samuel Basallo to an eight-year extension in August and with free agency approaching for Rutschman after the 2027 season, it's fair to wonder if that is still the case,” Reuter wrote. “Swinging a deal for Rutschman would line up with Philadelphia's rapidly closing window of contention. He could fill the void behind the plate for the next two seasons, then if the aging roster needs to be revamped, he would be off the books.”

Rutschman would be a solid addition for the Phillies, and he can hit from both sides of the plate. Acquiring him wouldn’t hurt even if Realmuto remains an option.

The Phillies’ championship window is slowly closing with each passing year. Moves like this could help keep them in contention.

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