Pirates Named Fit for Top Free Agent Catcher

Schoefield named the Pirates, the Rays, the Miami Marlins and also a reunion with the Phillies as the best fits for Realmuto.

He noted that the Pirates had the second-worst slash line from the catcher position in 2025 at .210/.297/.309, just ahead of the Rays and behind the Marlins for the bottom three teams.

The Pirates return Henry Davis, Joey Bart, plus rookie Rafael Flores as their catchers for next season, so an upgrade at catcher makes sense.

What the Pirates Would Get in Realmuto

The Pirates have options at catcher, but Realmuto would be far and away the best player if they added him this offseason.

Realmuto is a 12-year MLB veteran who turns 35 next season and has excelled both at and behind the plate.

He is a three-time All-Star (2018, 2019, 2022), two-time All-MLB First Team honoree and Gold Glove Award winner in 2019 and 2022, plus a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2018, 2019, 2022).

Realmuto has hit above .250 in every single season in his career, aside from his rookie year in 2014.

He also led the Phillies' pitching staff to a great season, with the third most strikeouts (1,471), sixth most shutouts (14), eighth best ERA (3.79) and the 10th best WHIP (1.23).

Realmuto has also worked with some of the best pitchers in baseball with the Phillies, including National League Cy Young Award finalist in left-hander Cristopher Sánchez and All-Star Zack Wheeler.

Will the Pirates Sign Realmuto?

The Pirates could surely benefit from signing Realmuto, who would easily be an upgrade over what they currently have at catcher.

Pittsburgh has also reportedly had interest in Realmuto this offseason, so it isn't too far-fetched to see him end up on the other side of the state in 2026.

The Pirates have other areas of their team they are more interested in improving, if they do make more additions this offseason.

Pirates general manager spoke after the O'Hearn signing and said that they want to get an infielder on the left side, most likely a third baseman or a shortstop, plus additions to their pitching staff and maybe outfield as well.

Realmuto has a market value of two years, $25.9 million, according to Spotrac, which would add almost $13 million to the payroll for the Pirates.

The Pirates are already at $90-$95 million on payroll and the additions they make will likely come in those areas that they need more than catcher.

It's unlikely that the Pirates actually get Realmuto, but he surely would make them a much better outfit, especially as they try and end their decade-long absence from the postseason.