Phillies Face Key Free Agency Decisions
The Philadelphia Phillies will enter a critical offseason as several key players reach free agency, and keeping all of them may not be realistic.
Most notably, J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber are set to hit the open market. Schwarber is having an MVP-caliber season and is expected to command a lucrative new contract, while Realmuto’s numbers have dipped, though he remains a workhorse behind the plate.
J.T. Realmuto
With both players likely seeking big deals, the Phillies may prioritize retaining Schwarber.
Realmuto Linked to Texas Rangers
Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports predicts Realmuto could depart Philadelphia and sign with the Texas Rangers.
“The Jonah Heim situation has reached a point where I could see them non-tendering him a contract and skipping that final arbitration year,” Riley said. “Things have gotten that bad with Heim’s bat and his work behind the plate.
J.T. Realmuto
Give me the Rangers for J.T. Realmuto.”
Defensive Prowess and Offensive Performance
Realmuto continues to shine defensively, boasting the fastest pop time in baseball according to Baseball Savant, and rarely taking days off behind the plate.
Offensively, he is hitting .265/.327/.396 with 11 home runs. A three-time Silver Slugger and All-Star, Realmuto would still be a significant upgrade at catcher for the Rangers, even if he is no longer in his prime.
J.T. Realmuto
In contrast, Heim ranks among the worst defensive catchers this season.
Phillies’ Tough Choice
For the Phillies, losing Realmuto would mean parting with a veteran leader in the clubhouse.
However, it may be unwise to risk letting Schwarber slip away just to retain Realmuto, making this offseason one of the most pivotal in recent team history.
