The Philadelphia Phillies need to address the uncertain future around one of their long-term veterans this offseason.
The Phillies have had a successful offseason so far. Though it seems likely Philadelphia will lose star hurler Ranger Suárez in free agency, the team has already brought back star slugger Kyle Schwarber and addressed its outfield situation by signing two-time All-Star Adolis García.
For the first time in years, the Phillies have to decide what to do at the catcher position with star catcher J.T. Realmuto set to test free agency after seven seasons. Behind Realmuto, Philadelphia’s backstop options include Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchán, both of whom aren’t viewed as everyday starters.
Despite Realmuto’s offensive decline this season, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden predicts that the 34-year-old catcher will be brought back to the Phillies this offseason on a short-term contract.
“Realmuto will have to take a pay cut, but on the flip side he should be able to get a two-year deal,” Bowden wrote Wednesday. “He’s been a strong leader for the Phillies staff over the last several years and they don’t have a better option behind the plate at this point. Age and decline have caught up with him to an extent, but the Phillies can still win a championship with him. I don’t see another strong fit for his services at this point.”
Realmuto remains one of the better catchers in the league even though his offensive production has dipped in the past couple of seasons. The 34-year-old won’t get another five-year contract with Philadelphia, but would be a perfect candidate to sign to a short-term deal. It would be surprising to see Realmuto not end up back on the Phillies this offseason.
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