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Phillies’ Pursuit of J.T. Realmuto Extends Into January as Leverage Plays Surface

Budget pressure tied to Bo Bichette rumors is shaping leverage in a thin catching market.

Overview

  • Philadelphia still has an offer on the table for Realmuto, and team executive Dave Dombrowski continues to label re-signing him a priority.
  • Talks have dragged into January while outside chatter links the club to Bo Bichette, with reports suggesting such a signing could squeeze out room for Realmuto.
  • Former GM Rubén Amaro Jr. cautioned against waiting past mid-January, warning the Phillies could forfeit other opportunities if negotiations linger.
  • Multiple analysts project a short two- to three-year agreement as the most likely outcome, with average annual value viewed as a key sticking point given Realmuto’s age-35 season and recent decline in production.
  • If no deal is reached, reported fallback paths include free agents like Victor Caratini, Jonah Heim or Elias Díaz, a Marchán tandem internally, or a challenging trade pursuit such as Adley Rutschman; the Padres have also been floated as a potential Realmuto suitor.