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Phillies reportedly pessimistic about retaining J.T. Realmuto

By David Hill

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies takes a swing during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies takes a swing during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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As the offseason gets ever closer, the Philadelphia Phillies are becoming more pessimistic about their chances of retaining J.T. Realmuto.

In theory, J.T. Realmuto was going to be one of the pieces to put the Philadelphia Phillies over the top. He was a part of a dramatic overhaul of the lineup, acquired from the Marlins in the same offseason that Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen were signed in free agency. Realmuto should have been the capstone to a lineup that put the Phillies over the hump.

Instead, Philadelphia failed to make the postseason in either of Realmuto’s years with the franchise. And now, they may be tasked with trying to find a replacement.

The Phillies do not have much depth behind Realmuto. Andrew Knapp is a solid backup catcher, but that is really his best role. Rafael Marchan is an intriguing prospect, and did notch four hits, with a homer and a walk, in nine plate appearances, but had not played above high A ball prior to this year. That home run is also the only one of his professional career, as he had 846 plate appearances in the minors without sending a ball over the fence.

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There are not many exciting options that are expected to hit free agency either. After Realmuto, the next tier of catchers includes the aging Yadier Molina and Mike Zunino. The Mets are likely to decline Wilson Ramos‘ option for next year, making a reunion a possibility.

But none of those options are even close to being in Realmuto’s class. He has been the best hitter behind the plate over the past few years, posting a lifetime .278/.328/.455 batting line with 156 doubles and 95 homers. Realmuto has also been excellent defensively, leading National League catchers in runs saved over the past two years and winning the 2019 Gold Glove award.

While they are going to have some salary coming off of their books, the Phillies still have numerous holes on their roster. They still need to find upgrades for the rotation and the bullpen. Didi Gregorius is an impending free agent as well. The Phillies may not have the finances to handle all of these needs.

Next. The irony of Realmuto's trade demands. dark

In theory, retaining J.T. Realmuto should be their top priority. However, the Phillies are starting to feel pessimistic that will happen.

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