The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into the offseason with a clear goal of bringing back designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and potentially JT Realmuto. While Schwarber takes precedence, Realmuto is also an important decision this winter.
While the 34-year-old catcher isn't likely to have a huge market, the Boston Red Sox have expressed an interest in Realmuto, and the catcher-needy Texas Rangers could be a landing spot for Realmuto this offseason.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently shared a report on the Rangers' free agent plans this offseason at the catcher position. Fortunately for the Phillies, the report spelled good news for their odds of re-signing Realmuto this offseason.
Phillies get good news on JT Realmuto after Rangers update
"The Rangers need to reconstruct their bullpen and find a catcher to replace Jonah Heim, whom they non-tendered." Rosenthal writes. "But according to team sources, Texas lacks the payroll flexibility to sign top free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto, a native of Oklahoma."
Despite the Rangers' clear need at the catcher position, they won't be investing in Realmuto this winter, thanks to their limited payroll flexibility.
Unlike the Schwarber free agent rumors, with his hometown Cincinnati Reds making a strong push to bring the local kid home, the Rangers aren't likely to do the same for Realmuto.
More: Why Kyle Schwarber free agent rumor is bad news for Phillies
While the Red Sox, and likely other teams, will emerge as suitors for Realmuto in the coming weeks, the Phillies present his best landing spot this offseason.
It's a familiar destination, one he's played at for seven out of 12 years of his MLB career, and where he's added two All-Star nods and 811 hits, 121 home runs, and two Gold Glove awards.
While he might not be the catcher he once was, now at 34 years old, he's still the best catcher on the market and is a priority for the Phillies this winter.
Taking one of the top catcher-needy teams in the Rangers out of the market for Realmuto is a good sign for the Phillies. With less competition, their odds of bringing Realmuto back increase.
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