Are Phillies one step closer to resigning J.T. Realmuto?

Could the Philadelphia Phillies be inching toward a reunion with catcher J.T. Realmuto? Reports indicate it's possible, and the next move belongs to the veteran backstop.

According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, the Phillies "have an offer on the table" to the 34-year-old Realmuto, who has been a part of the organization since being traded to Philadelphia by the Miami Marlins before the 2019 campaign. 

Since coming to Philly, Realmuto has slashed .265/.328/.450 and posted an OPS+ of 110. He has also played a key role in Philadelphia qualifying for the postseason in each of the last four years.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told reporters on Tuesday that the Phillies have continued to be in contact with Realmuto this offseason and have "talked consistently about trying to sign J.T. and we remain that way." That apparently includes offering a contract, with no details given by Zolecki on the deal's price tag or length.

Dombrowski, however, did say that, "Catcher is really our main focus."

What signing J.T. Realmuto could mean for the Phillies

The Phillies have been busy this offseason, bringing back Kyle Schwarber while also signing free-agent outfielder Adolis Garcia as an apparent replacement for Nick Castellanos, and reportedly adding reliever Brad Keller on Wednesday. With catcher as the team's main focus, could that mean that a Realmuto signing could complete Philadelphia's offseason spending?

The Phillies have been linked to numerous players in rumors and scenarios. Still, solidifying the catcher position by bringing back Realmuto could mean that rumors surrounding players ranging from Harrison Bader staying to Alex Bregman coming on board could shut down quickly.

Certainly, Realmuto has proven his worth in recent seasons, and Philadelphia has shifted the look of its lineup with the Garcia addition. However, Realmuto has also regressed in some defensive areas, while age will certainly start to become more of a factor behind the plate. 

It's possible that Philadelphia is preparing to choose Realmuto as the final big piece of its 2026 puzzle. Much like the remaking of the outfield, it's a gamble for a franchise that has been ousted in the National League Division Series in each of the last two seasons.