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Phillies Nearing Decision on J.T. Realmuto Amid Injury Concerns

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Treppedi | Last updated Feb 15, 2025 1:55 PM ET

J.T. Realmuto reported to pitchers and catchers training this week with one year remaining on his five-year contract worth $115.5 million guaranteed.

The veteran catcher has become a mainstay and a leader within the Phillies organization throughout the six seasons he's spent there.

He's helped the Phillies make the playoffs for three consecutive years, including a trip to the World Series in 2022, but as Realmuto is set to turn 35 in March, the Phillies are evaluating how to move forward with their franchise catcher.

Realmuto and the Phillies are have reported "mutual interest" in a contract extension.

"Obviously I have interest in coming back to the Phillies," Realmuto said in an appearance on "Phillies Extra." "I love being here. My wife loves it here, my family. Their friends are all in the organization. So, there’s certainly interest on our end. I would hope the Phillies have interest, as well."

An extension would likely come at a significantly lower price point with short term given that Realmuto missed six weeks of 2024 due to knee surgery.

Realmuto also just wrapped up his toughest season since joining the Phillies in 2019, posting a .266/.322/.429 slash line with 14 home runs and 47 RBI.

In the postseason, Realmuto hit .000/.313/.000 in the four games he appeared in against the New York Mets in the NLDS.

It could be in the Phillies' best interest to wait and see what they have in Realmuto before committing to an extension.

He’s set to earn $23.9 million this year, with his $23.1 million average annual salary ranking as the highest among all catchers.

After the 2025 season, the Phillies will have around $102 million coming off the books, with Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Ranger Suárez among their key free agents.

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

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