What seemed like a simple idea has become so convoluted that nobody knows what’s going on. Once Kyle Schwarber re-signed with the Phillies, it seemed like a deal with J.T. Realmuto was going to get done pretty quickly after that. The theory was that it would get done by Christmas. Then, by New Years. Now, there are a lot of people pointing out that Realmuto didn’t sign until January 26th the last time he was negotiating with the Phillies. Maybe that’s the date. Or, maybe it never gets done, but according to Jim Bowden, that leaves Realmuto without a team since the Phillies are the only team pursuing him.
On Wednesday, Jon Heyman was on the MLB Network to talk about Bo Bichette. In the course of the conversation he mentioned J.T. Realmuto and whether the Phillies can re-sign him if they sign Bichette. Heyman mentioned something that had been rumored, but not confirmed prior to him bringing it up:
“They have been kind of in a stare down with J.T. Realmuto for quite a while now. They’ve offered him a three-year deal, obviously, it’s not quite what he wants; I’m not sure what he wants, maybe closer to $15-million. I’m not sure where they are.”
Bowden had suggested that the two sides would be best off agreeing to a one-year contract which would allow the Phillies to keep Realmuto for another season while they work on finding a replacement, and still sign Bichette. Heyman never said when the three-year deal was offered–some reports say it was for around $13-million per year–but we do know that a little over a month ago the Phillies put a contract offer on the table. It’s not clear whether that was the three-year deal or if that offer had come earlier. It’s probable that it was for three years (the deal that Heyman is referring to) since it was thought at the time that Realmuto wanted a third year. That would have scared away some suitors, which would be where Bowden is getting that there is no market for J.T.
In some ways the situation favors the Phillies since Realmuto has a non-existent market. Then again, the Phillies have a non-existent replacement in hand for Realmuto. The free agent market is filled with back-up caliber catchers – Victor Caritini, Jonah Heim, and Austin Barnes – and the trade market is difficult since teams are slow to give up a starting caliber catcher. The Phillies have reportedly kicked the tires for Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman and Minnesota’s Ryan Jeffers.
The situation is a mess; actually, a hot mess. Say what you will about Realmuto, but unless he was completely outlandish with his requests, the Phillies should have gotten this done. Realmuto felt slighted the last time he negotiated with the Phillies and believes they owe him one. He has given Philadelphia seven strong seasons behind the plate and nearly every pitcher who has ever thrown to him loves having him behind the plate. Yes, his offensive skills are slipping, but catching is much more than offense. The catcher is a key to the pitching staff having success, which they have under Realmuto. He is also the guy throwing out baserunners and blocking pitches that wind up in the dirt. Those abilities are two of the reasons why the pitchers love him. It’s simply time to get this done.
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