The free agent catcher market is pretty much the J.T. Realmuto market.
No one else available looks like a true starting catcher, while the Philadelphia Phillies' free agent still very much is that.
That makes his market intriguing. Yes, he's aging, and he's coming off a bit of a decline sort of year, but he's also better than anything else available.
The Phillies would likely want him back, but he could also end up elsewhere.
The good news comes this week in a new article by MLB.com's Andrew Simon, where he says the Phillies are the "perfect fit" for Realmuto.
"While there are reasons for the Phillies to be skittish about re-committing to a catcher who will turn 35 in March and is showing clear signs of decline, there are even clearer reasons for them to bring back Realmuto for an eighth season in Philadelphia," Simon writes. "This is a team with obvious urgency to capitalize on its championship window and one whose current catching situation without Realmuto is projected at the very bottom of the league. The free-agent market offers no better alternative, while a trade-based solution would be both tough to come by and quite expensive in terms of talent. Nothing is guaranteed in baseball -- nor in free agency -- but it feels like Philly retaining Realmuto is just a matter of time."
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The Phillies already brought back Kyle Schwarber.
There was some speculation about Philadelphia choosing to move on from a large chunk of its core this offseason to try to start things a little fresh.
But by re-signing Schwarber, it's a sign of staying committed to the group the Phillies have. That won't work as well if they don't bring back Realmuto, too.
There's likely another team or two out there really trying to bid up Realmuto, but the Phillies would be wise to not let him get away.
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