Phillies' J.T. Realmuto free agent update is concerning for All-Star catcher

Matt Sullivan

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Phillies' J.T. Realmuto free agent update is concerning for All-Star catcher image

The Philadelphia Phillies are in an interesting position in free agency. While they are trying to re-sign J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies have shown no interest in meeting his demands.

Talks are at such a point that the Phillies have begun to pivot, as they are considering signing Bo Bichette instead of Realmuto as their next big offseason addition.

But things are even worse for Realmuto than they seem. According to Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio, Realmuto doesn't have any other teams vying for his services this winter, leaving the All-Star catcher with few options.

J.T. Realmuto has little interest from around MLB 

"I don't think Realmuto has a lot of options," Bowden said. "I have not heard of a single team that is in on Realmuto right now."

The Phillies veteran catcher is demanding a three-year deal from the Phillies, and they aren't biting on his demand.

In turn, the Phillies are exploring other options, and this report from Bowden indicates that the Phillies catcher isn't getting much interest from around the league.

Realmuto is 34 years old and will be 35 next season. Even though he had a decent 2025 season, with 2.5 bWAR and solid defense behind the plate, his.700 OPS and 91 OPS+ were the worst marks of his MLB career since his 2015 season.

An aging, regressing catcher isn't exactly the hottest commodity in free agency, even if his legacy is enough to warrant signing him to a contract for at least 2026.

More: Phillies get bad news on Bo Bichette amid unexpected challenge from Alex Bregman Cubs deal

But Realmuto is seeking a longer deal, and there aren't any teams showing interest. Realmuto might not have a realistic option this winter other than the Phillies.

Another club might eventually show interest in Realmuto this winter, but for now, it doesn't look likely that he's going to get an offer close to the one he likely received from the Phillies.

This offseason isn't going to plan for Realmuto, and the Phillies meeting with Bichette, and real interest, is even further bad news for the long-time catcher.

Where he ends up in 2026 will be very interesting, and it might even be back with the Phillies, even if they end up signing Bichette, thanks to Realmuto's bleak market.

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