Phillies facing roadblocks in pursuit of J.T. Realmuto

The Philadelphia Phillies managed to get Kyle Schwarber back.

They also bolstered their struggling bullpen and will reportedly continue to add more pieces to that unit. Nevertheless, the lack of updates regarding J.T. Realmuto has been worrisome. 

And, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, there hasn't been much, if any, progress in negotiations.

The Phillies are exploring potential J.T. Realmuto replacements

Per Gelb, a reunion still sounds like the most likely scenario, but the Phillies are also doing their due diligence on other options:

"The Phillies and Realmuto are locked in a standoff, league sources said. The club has discussed various multiyear offers with Realmuto, who continues to explore the market," Gelb wrote. "A reunion makes sense for both sides. That, still, is the expectation. But, as Realmuto seeks a better offer, the Phillies have pursued trade alternatives. Realmuto’s return is not guaranteed."

There aren't many suitable replacements for a former MVP runner-up and one of the best backstops in the league.

The Phillies could potentially target the likes of Jose Trevino, Connor Wong, or J.C. Escarra, but all of them would be a downgrade from Realmuto.

They could also go after someone like Victor Caratini, who's coming off a decent two-year stint with the Houston Astros.

Otherwise, the Phillies would have to roll with either Garrett Stubbs or Rafael Marchan. 

That's far from ideal for a team that's looking to get over the hump and win now, especially given how much of a weapon Realmuto has been for them.