Bryce Harper is about to get his wish.
He has exhorted the Phillies to sign J.T. Realmuto to a long term deal seemingly since the catcher was acquired from the Marlins. It is easy to understand why – Realmuto is the best catcher in the game, both offensively and defensively. Keeping him in the lineup fills a major void and gives the Phillies another impact bat.
On Tuesday, Harper’s wish came true. Realmuto has agreed to a five year deal worth $115.5 million to keep him in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Phillies and JT Realmuto are in agreement on a 5 year $115.5 million dollar contract. Pending physical. Per source.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 26, 2021
The Phillies had to bring J.T. Realmuto back
Frankly, the Phillies had to bring Realmuto back into the fold. They gave up an impressive package of prospects to acquire him from Miami, headlined by Sixto Sanchez, who appears to be the type of pitcher that could haunt the franchise for years to come.
Realmuto held up his own end of the bargain. He posted a solid .273/.333/.492 batting line in his 788 plate appearances in Philadelphia, hitting 36 homers and 42 doubles. Defensively, he saved 21 runs behind the plate, winning the 2019 Gold Glove award while throwing out 47% of would be basestealers.
Likewise, Realmuto set out to do what he had hoped in free agency. He had stated a desire to raise the bar for salaries for catchers, and he did just that. His $23.1 million average salary surpassed the record mark set by Joe Mauer, who took home a $23 average annual salary over the lifetime of his extension with the Twins.
This signing does not mean that the Phillies are done shopping. They could stand to upgrade their pitching staff and are in need of a shortstop. Now that Realmuto is back in the fold, and their catcher has been locked in, Philadelphia can turn its attention to the rest of the roster.
The Phillies have brought J.T. Realmuto back on a record deal. It was a contract that needed to be done.