The Phillies' top priority now that Kyle Schwarber has secured a new contract is to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto, according to team president Dave Dombrowski.
With Schwarber's reported five-year, $150 million deal finalized, the club can focus on addressing their most pressing offseason need - locking up their star backstop. Realmuto, 34, has been a stalwart presence behind the plate for the Phillies since joining the team in 2019 and is widely regarded as one of the smartest and most durable catchers in baseball.
Schwarber himself acknowledged that he reached out to Realmuto after his own deal was completed, suggesting a mutual desire to keep their core group intact. "We've all been in constant communication throughout the offseason... We all have great relationships with each other," Schwarber said. "I think that's been a great thing that we've had in Philadelphia here, is that we've all really come together and felt like we're all going to have some really good friendships throughout the end of our days here."
The Phillies and Realmuto are now working on a new contract, but it remains to be seen if he will stay with the team. Realmuto has been courted by other clubs in free agency, which could drive up the price tag and make his departure more likely.
While securing Realmuto's services is crucial for the Phillies' long-term success, the team may have to navigate a competitive market to get him on board. A five-year deal with the Orioles was recently secured by first baseman Pete Alonso, sending a message that teams are willing to invest in big-name players.
For the Phillies, though, Realmuto's re-signing is a matter of urgency given their recent playoff struggles. The team has been trying to rebuild and contend for the playoffs since Harper left in 2019, but they have not been able to sustain success beyond the postseason.
With Schwarber's contract secured, the focus now shifts to keeping Realmuto. If he does depart, it will be a significant blow to the Phillies' core group and potentially alter the team's strategy for the upcoming season.
With Schwarber's reported five-year, $150 million deal finalized, the club can focus on addressing their most pressing offseason need - locking up their star backstop. Realmuto, 34, has been a stalwart presence behind the plate for the Phillies since joining the team in 2019 and is widely regarded as one of the smartest and most durable catchers in baseball.
Schwarber himself acknowledged that he reached out to Realmuto after his own deal was completed, suggesting a mutual desire to keep their core group intact. "We've all been in constant communication throughout the offseason... We all have great relationships with each other," Schwarber said. "I think that's been a great thing that we've had in Philadelphia here, is that we've all really come together and felt like we're all going to have some really good friendships throughout the end of our days here."
The Phillies and Realmuto are now working on a new contract, but it remains to be seen if he will stay with the team. Realmuto has been courted by other clubs in free agency, which could drive up the price tag and make his departure more likely.
While securing Realmuto's services is crucial for the Phillies' long-term success, the team may have to navigate a competitive market to get him on board. A five-year deal with the Orioles was recently secured by first baseman Pete Alonso, sending a message that teams are willing to invest in big-name players.
For the Phillies, though, Realmuto's re-signing is a matter of urgency given their recent playoff struggles. The team has been trying to rebuild and contend for the playoffs since Harper left in 2019, but they have not been able to sustain success beyond the postseason.
With Schwarber's contract secured, the focus now shifts to keeping Realmuto. If he does depart, it will be a significant blow to the Phillies' core group and potentially alter the team's strategy for the upcoming season.
u guys gotta keep an eye on this one,Realmuto's deal is gonna get pretty steep now that Alonso got his 5yr $150m from O's... Phillies really need him or their whole rebuild thing falls apart 
if they can't lock him down, I think teams might start offering crazy money just to keep a piece of their core 
what do u guys think gonna happen? 
. I mean, what's the point of investing in one more year of Realmuto when you know he's gonna bail on you as soon as things get tough? Give me a break...
. The Phillies have been all over the place since Harper left, and now they're just focusing on keeping Realmuto? Give me a break 
! He deserves better than to be stuck in a rebuilding phase forever. Plus, Pete Alonso is making bank with his 5-year deal, so I think Realmuto should hold out for something similarly lucrative 
.
! The Phillies are making moves and I love how they're focusing on their core guys first. Schwarber's new deal is fire 
. He's been a key part of the team since 2019 and his durability behind the plate is huge 
. I think he's worth every penny 
.
I mean, a five-year deal that makes sense? That's what I'm talking about! 
. Still, he's been a solid catcher and it'd be a shame to lose him. The fact that Schwarber reached out to him first shows they value their relationship, so fingers crossed they can get something done 
.
he's literally the glue that holds that team together 
Schwarber just secured his deal and now its all about keeping the king behind the plate 
️ Realmuto's stats have been on point since he joined in 2019 and I think he's worth every penny 
still gotta see how this all plays out but Fingers crossed for Philly! 
what do u guys think tho should the phillies splurge on realmuto or try to save some cash? 
. If they lock him up now, that's a huge win for the team and their fans. On the other hand, if he does end up leaving, it's gonna hurt 'em big time 
.
. I hope the front office is ready for this one, 'cause Philly fans are already on edge 
.
