Copyright newsweek
The Philadelphia Phillies have three extremely talented players hitting the open market this winter. Kyle Schwarber hit 56 home runs this season, while Ranger Suárez racked up nearly five wins above replacement on the mound. But could catcher J.T. Realmuto actually be the most important name of the trio for the Phillies to retain? Realmuto is a three-time All-Star, but he hasn’t earned that distinction since 2021. He’s also heading into his age-35 season at the most unforgiving position in the sport. However, one insider believes the Phillies could have a tough time getting him to re-sign for a price they’re comfortable paying. PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 21: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Phillies 9-2. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) On Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that rival executives expect Realmuto to have a robust market, and warned that Philadelphia might be hesitant to match the price tag other clubs would set for the Phillies’ longest-tenured position player (tied with Bryce Harper). “Some rival executives expect Realmuto to draw more free-agent interest this winter than Kyle Schwarber,” Gelb wrote. “That’s not to suggest Realmuto will receive a larger deal than Schwarber; he won’t. But the sheer number of teams interested in Realmuto could boost his market. “Yadier Molina signed a three-year extension in 2018 that covered his age-35 to -37 seasons. That term will be a starting point for Realmuto’s camp this winter. It might be uncomfortable territory for the Phillies, but the veteran catcher could have enough interest to secure a three-year offer from someone. The state of catching in the sport is that flimsy.” As Gelb was quick to point out later in his piece, the Phillies have virtually no Plan B for losing Realmuto. Rafael Marchán has never played more than 42 games in a season, and although Philadelphia’s farm system is strong on the whole, there’s no heir apparent behind the plate that’s close to making a major league debut. Does this all mean the Phillies have to commit to bringing back Realmuto, whatever it takes? And could that come at the expense of being able to offer top dollar for Schwarber, Suárez, or anyone else the Phillies want badly? It’s a lot to sort through, and whichever way the Phillies swing has the potential to extend or shorten their current championship window. More MLB: Nationals 3-Year Veteran, Former Reds, Dodgers Hurler Elects Free Agency
