The Philadelphia Phillies have built a roster filled with standout talent over the last few years, with J.T. Realmuto being one of their key leaders. Currently, the 34-year-old catcher finds himself in free agency after spending seven seasons with the franchise. While the Phillies certainly want to retain him, negotiations on a new contract have yet to come to fruition.
Recently, Jon Marks, a radio host for 97.5 The Fanatic, reported that the Phillies have issued a clear message to Realmuto: a decision is needed soon. He stated that if Realmuto fails to commit, the organization will explore other options. Potential alternatives include notable free agents like Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette.
“Phillies are putting the word out that JT needs to sign now or they are prepared to move on….as they should be,” Marks expressed on X.
“JT might not like his market, but it’s his market. It’s time to sign, or the Phillies should consider moving on because, frankly, the team could fare better with Bregman or Bichette.”
Phillies are putting the word out that JT needs to sign now or they are prepared to move on….as they should be
JT might not like his market, but it’s his market. Time to sign or Phillies should move on bc frankly, the team might be better with Bregman or Bichette
— Jon Marks (@JonMarksMedia) January 3, 2026
Since joining the Phillies at the start of the 2019 season, Realmuto has accumulated a bWAR of 24.9, solidifying his reputation as one of the top all-around catchers in the game. However, his offensive production has declined over the past seasons, though he remains a standout defender.
Former Phillies GM Expects Team to Move On From J.T. Realmuto
Former general manager of the Phillies, Ruben Amaro Jr., voiced his belief that the front office needs to make a definitive choice regarding Realmuto’s future. He suggested that president Dave Dombrowski must take action in the coming days. Amaro Jr. warned that lingering on this decision could result in missed opportunities.
“There are still two right-handed third baseman-infielders available who could positively impact this team. With a right-handed hitting third baseman already on the roster, the potential moves that could happen if J.T. doesn’t sign should be considered,” he commented during The Phillies Show.
“Who knows who’s interested in [Alex] Bregman, or [Bo] Bichette, or even a guy like Alec Bohm if the Phillies decide to part ways with him and pursue one of those two free agents. There are so many possibilities, but everything hinges on what’s decided with J.T.”
Hypothetical scenario:
đź“ŚLet Jt Realmuto walk (saves around $15M)
đź“ŚTrade Alec Bohm (saves around $10-11M)Would free up around $32M with the Matt Strahm trade.
Would give the Phillies tons of room to work to sign Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette.#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/Lcpebv8Gjs
— SleeperPhillies (@SleeperPhillies) December 20, 2025
“If I were in Dave Dombrowski’s shoes, I wouldn’t wait too long. I’d make my decision by mid-January at the latest. If there are moves available to improve this team, they could disappear quickly, and that would set the Phillies back. You can only wait so long.”
The Phillies reportedly made Realmuto an official offer last month, which he declined. While the specifics of the proposal remain unclear, it likely didn’t align with the $23.875 million he earned in 2025. Last year, the three-time All-Star posted a batting line of .257/.315/.384 with just 12 home runs over more than 500 at-bats, culminating in an OPS+ of 91.
