The Philadelphia Phillies accomplished their first and largest goal this offseason when they re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a new long-term extension.
It's a huge $150 million deal, and it shows that the Phillies and owner John Middleton are serious about building a World Series roster. Next in line for the Phillies? Catcher J.T. Realmuto.
According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, the Phillies aren't just shifting gears to focus on Realmuto; they've already made a contract offer, and now are waiting to hear back from the veteran catcher.
Phillies make contract offer to J.T. Realmuto
"Now the attention turns to free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto." Zolecki writes. "President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski expressed optimism in Realmuto's return on Monday. The Pihllies have an offer on the table. They are waiting."
The Phillies have made it clear: they want Realmuto back. They've offered him a new contract, and while the details are not known, it's likely a multi-year deal worth somewhere between $15 million and $20 million per year.
Bringing Realmuto back is a priority for the Phillies, especially with the lack of great options at the catcher spot in free agency outside of Realmuto.
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Letting him walk to a new team wouldn't just derail the team's plans this winter; it would force the Phillies to drastically shift who they plan to target in free agency or in trade talks.
Philadelphia can't go into 2026 with Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs as the only catchers on the roster. They will add another catcher by the start of the year, and it might as well be Realmuto.
He's familiar with the pitching staff, the team, and while he's regressed in recent years both offensively and defensively, he's still better than most catching options on the open market.
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