Could Phillies make play for former first overall pick?

The Baltimore Orioles signed 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo to an eight-year, $67M contract extension on Aug. 22, a mere five days following his MLB debut on Aug. 17.

The move called catcher Adley Rutschman's future in Baltimore into question, making him a potential trade chip in the offseason. If this is the case, the Philadelphia Phillies should look into acquiring the former first overall pick.

Although longtime backstop J.T. Realmuto has experienced a bit of a resurgence at the plate in recent months, he's in the final year of the five-year, $115.5M contract extension he signed in 2021, and enters his age-35 season in 2026.

He may command more money than the Phillies are willing to give, especially given his age and overall offensive production over the last few seasons. Realmuto had a .751 OPS and 102 strikeouts in 2024, with a right knee injury holding him to just 99 games.

Realmuto is still a two-time Gold Glove Award winner and three-time Silver Slugger, but perhaps parting ways with the three-time All-Star is best for Philadelphia's future.

Plus, the Phillies don't have an MLB-ready catcher available in the minor leagues. Rafael Marchan has been a serviceable backup this season, but isn't a long-term solution. Former backup Garrett Stubbs is 32 and has a career .605 OPS in six big-league seasons. And top catching prospect Eduardo Tait was traded along with pitcher Mick Abel to the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline in exchange for closer Jhoan Duran.

With Rutschman experiencing a career-worst year in 2025, the Phillies could likely acquire him at a cheap price, too. The 27-year-old is slashing just .227/.310/.373 with nine home runs and 29 RBI across 85 games. The two-time All-Star's best season came during Baltimore's 101-win campaign in 2023 when he set career highs in home runs (20) and RBI (80).

The O's may still have hope that Rutschman can return to his All-Star form and that he and Basallo can co-exist. If he's placed on the trade block this winter, though, the Phillies should be the first to inquire on the switch-hitting slugger.