Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies Predicted to Cut Ties With J.T. Realmuto for Major Kyle Schwarber Reason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have a few free agency decisions to make during the offseason, most notably with J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber. Allowing Schwarber to walk would be a massive mistake for the Phillies, as he's clearly one of the top power hitters in Major League Baseball.

After hitting an impressive 38 home runs in 2024, 47 in 2023, and 46 in 2022, the left-handed slugger has followed that up with 19 already.

But money is money, and the Phillies ultimately have to decide who they want to pay.

And according to a recent prediction for OnPattison, their decision to pay Schwarber could impact the future of Realmuto.

Anthony SanFilippo predicted that the Phillies will cut ties with the former All-Star catcher unless he's willing to take a cheap deal, which he might be worth at this stage of his career.

“That said, there is a world where both players can stay, but that will be incumbent upon Realmuto understanding where he is as a declining player at this point.

“If he's willing to take a short-term deal for a team-friendly salary, then he could easily be back and be the bridge to Tait. A lot of people want to compare it to the contract Yadier Molina signed with the St. Louis Cardinals entering his age-35 season — which was for three years and $60 million in 2018,” he wrote.

There's always value in having somebody like Realmuto behind the plate calling games. However, he's hitting just .228 with five home runs in 50 games for the Phillies this season. His 82 OPS+ would be the worst of his career outside of his 11-game stint during his rookie season in 2014.

If the Phillies have to pick one player, it should probably be Schwarber.

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

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