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Phillies Catcher J.T. Realmuto Discusses Managing Loaded Rotation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 12:00 PM ET

J.T. Realmuto has seen plenty from behind the plate—after all, he is the most-used catcher in Major League Baseball since joining the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. But even with all his experience, the starting pitching staff he'll be working with this year may top all the ones that have come before.

"It's gonna be one of, if not the best rotation in baseball this year," Realmuto said during MLB Network's 30 Clubs in 15 Days. "Lord willing, we stay healthy. Those guys are all really good with real quality stuff. Good people (who) work hard. So it's gonna be a lot of fun for me to work with them."

The Phillies are projected to have right-handers Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, and left-handers Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, and new addition Jesús Luzardo in the rotation. It’s quite possibly the strongest group in Philly since the 'Four Aces' of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, and Roy Oswalt in 2011.

It’s also a group that will work extensively with Realmuto, even under the assumption that he will get a few more days off this season. Unlike some teams, the Phillies don’t have any starters with a personal catcher, so he has to balance his preparations with the entire staff.

"I just try to be intentional with my time," Realmuto said. "We spend so much time here at the field that if I can just dive into each one of them separately and be able to spend a little one-on-one time with each, (I can) build those relationships."

What's it like managing a stacked pitching rotation as a catcher?@Phillies backstop JT Realmuto breaks down his approach to working with each starter and more.

30 Clubs in 15 Days pic.twitter.com/hkH0qj0l7j
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 4, 2025

That focus is what keeps J.T. as one of the most respected catchers in the game today—and what could entice other teams to pry him away from Philadelphia this coming offseason.

Realmuto is in the final year of a five-year, $115.5 million contract extension he signed in 2021. Even entering his age-34 season, he's shown no desire to play less—going as far as to practice in left field as a way to stay in the lineup.

Still, it's apparent that Realmuto would prefer to be catching every day that he can. Who wouldn't, with the stacked deck he's been dealt?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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