Ten Possible MLB Contract Extensions Candidates

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox in the dugout during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 05, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Red Sox 15-8. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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J.T. Realmuto, C

The newly acquired J.T. Realmuto is looking to stay in Philadelphia after being traded to the Phillies by the Miami Marlins this past Winter. Coming off of a career-year for the Marlins in 2018, Realmuto hit 21 home runs, 74 RBI and batted .277 through just 125 games. The All-Star was also the NL Silver Slugger recipient for catchers. He has proved he is one of the best offensive catchers in baseball.

Now in Philadelphia, Realmuto has the potential to hit 100 RBI. Batting fifth in a stacked lineup, he is going to have a lot of opportunities with runners in scoring position. Having shortstop Jean Segura, veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen, superstar outfielder Bryce Harper, and young first baseman Rhys Hoskins in front of him will turn Realmuto into a real threat.

The Phillies have a win-now mindset. They have a lot of their young talent locked up already, such as Harper’s 13-year MLB contract, Nola’s four-year extension, and Segura being under contract through 2022. The backstop is not a free agent until after 2020, but the Phillies may look to lock up long-term Realmuto after this season before his price goes up. When he signs his extension Realmuto will set the market for catchers. He will look to be the highest paid backstop in the majors.

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