Phillies Backstop Hints At JT Realmuto Ending Career

The Philadelphia Phillies have negotiated a return for their highest profile free agent this winter, but there seems to be a delay surrounding their interest in another one.

After announcing that it had agreed to bring designated hitter Kyle Schwarber back with a five-year, $150 million deal, the team publicly set its sights on a return for long-time catcher JT Realmuto.

“Catcher is really our main focus,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said during a press conference to announce the new contract for Schwarber, according to Nick Tricome of Philly Voice. “We talk about, consistently, about trying to sign JT and we remain that way. But we haven’t been able to get it done so far.”

Philadelphia Phillies Catcher Says JT Realmuto Has Been In ‘Final Years Of His Career’

Given the Phillies’ interest and Realmuto’s fit with the team, it is a bit of a surprise that the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. It’s possible that the veteran catcher is holding out for a three-year contract, while the Phillies would surely be more comfortable bringing the 34-year-old

However, Realmuto might have some significant leverage over the Phillies, given their outspoken interest in retaining him and the lack of alternatives at backstop. Realmuto is easily the most accomplished option on the free agent market and the Phillies’ rostered backup option, Rafael Marchan, is unproven.

The 26-year-old Marchan slashed just .210/.282/.305 in 42 games filling in for Realmuto in this past season. But during a recent interview, the backstop noted that Realmuto has been passing the torch as he nears the end of his career.

“I have to thank God for putting that person in my path,” Marchan told Eduardo Chapellin of Venezuelan sports publication Lider, per a translation. “I’ve learned a lot from him, especially now in his final years of his career.”