The Tools of Ignorance and Extreme Importance.
- David M. Hink
- 7 days ago
- 1 min read
The Phillies have some tough choices to make.
The Phillies' rotation was impressive this year, but how much less impressive would it have been without Realmuto?
The team lacks an internal option for an everyday catcher, and allowing JT to leave without a solid backup plan would be disastrous for them. Anticipate that addressing the catcher position will be a top priority.
J.T. Realmuto would want less than 3 years and around 10-15 million a year. One problem with this plan is that other teams in the league are extremely catcher-hungry, especially with one so highly talked about by pitching staffs. One team could easily overpay for Realmuto, well above what you would be willing to pay for an above-average catcher but below league-average hitter.
Dave Dombrowski could also play this by involving a familiar trading partner, the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles have just locked up their long-term catcher of the future, and his name is not Adley Rutschman.
Samuel Basallo signed a long-term extension before recording his first major league hit. Where does that leave the 27-year-old two-time All-Star? The Phillies would love to go from one franchise backstop to another, and one that isn’t a free agent until 2028. It would enable the Phillies’ infield to get younger, ensure a smooth transition for the staff, and allow a clearer offseason plan for us fans.
We at Brokenhearted Baseball believe no dominoes will fall before J.T. Realmuto’s.
Come Spring Training, which catcher do you want on the Phils more?
- J.T. Realmuto
- Adley Rutschman
- Other! (tell us in the comments)