Former major league GM Jim Bowden appeared on MLB Network Radio on Tuesday and discussed catcher J.T. Realmuto. If Bowden is right, then the 35-year-old may have overplayed his hand in the free-agent market.
Bowden’s take—and it’s worth noting that he is a former GM, not a former player agent—is that no other teams are currently showing interest in Realmuto. He suggests a practical solution: Realmuto and the Phillies should agree to a one-year deal.
What That Would Mean for the Phillies
A short-term deal with Realmuto would give the Phillies an extra season to develop—or acquire—a starting catcher for the future. Two names they’ve reportedly targeted in trade discussions, Tyler Stephenson (Reds) and Ryan Jeffers (Twins), will be free agents after the season. Of course, either could still sign an extension with their current teams before hitting the open market.
Beyond those two, the upcoming free-agent class offers only limited options: Carson Kelly, Austin Hedges, and Travis d’Arnaud—all aging catchers nearing the end of their careers.
Still, bringing Realmuto back, even for one year, would stabilize the position. He’s a trusted presence behind the plate, well-acquainted with the pitching staff, and respected for his ability to call games, block pitches, and control the running game.
Additionally, this approach could allow the Phillies to sign Bo Bichette. If they did, ongoing efforts to trade Alec Bohm—or even Bryson Stott, who has also been mentioned—might yield a return package that includes a young catcher. That catcher could either back up Realmuto in 2026 or develop as an everyday player in Lehigh Valley.
What It Would Mean for Realmuto
If the market truly isn’t there, Realmuto has to confront a hard truth: the end of his career may be near. He’s at a crossroads.
If he wants to keep playing, he may have to accept what the Phillies are offering. If he believes he still has multiple seasons left in him, he might need to agree to a lower salary to convince the Phillies to include a second year—especially in the absence of interest from other teams.
A one-year deal with a mutual option could be the most logical solution. It would give Realmuto a chance to prove he’s not done. If he succeeds, he gets a second year. If he struggles, the Phillies have a clean exit.
Realmuto doesn’t look like someone ready to retire. A 2026 season might give him the clarity he needs—if it truly is time to hang up the gear.
And if this really is the twilight of his career, a one-year deal gives him a chance to exit on his own terms—perhaps even with a farewell tour. That’s a luxury not every player gets.
Let’s Bottom-Line This
Each day that passes makes Realmuto’s free agency feel more stagnant—and frankly, more somber.
At first, there was speculation about whether any team would offer a three-year deal. The Red Sox publicly expressed interest but ultimately went in another direction. The Rangers were considered a serious possibility—until they signed fellow free agent Danny Jansen (who, if still available, the Phillies would be pursuing full throttle).
If Realmuto truly wants to keep playing, and if it’s clear that no other team is seriously interested, then it’s time to take what’s on the table. Swallow a bit of pride, return to Philadelphia, and acknowledge what the free-agent market is signaling: this might be your final season.
And truthfully? One last run at a World Series in front of a fanbase that knows and respects you isn’t the worst way to go out.
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