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Phillies Weigh Catcher Alternatives as Realmuto Talks Drag On

Sources still rate a reunion as likely as spring reporting nears.

Overview

  • Negotiations between the Phillies and free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto remain unresolved in a standoff, though mutual interest persists.
  • The club has explored contingencies, including trade inquiries on the TwinsRyan Jeffers and interest in free agent Victor Caratini, per The Athletic and Ken Rosenthal.
  • Rival teams grow hesitant to move catchers as camps approach, raising the prospect cost for Jeffers and narrowing late options.
  • Internal fallback choices include Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs, with FanGraphs currently projecting Marchán as the starter if no deal is reached.
  • Philadelphia is evaluating how to reallocate payroll if Realmuto departs, with reporting pointing to pursuits such as a Ranger Suárez reunion or a marquee bat like Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette.