Phillies reportedly re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto to 3-year, $45 million deal after Mets land Bo Bichette
The Philadelphia Phillies have moved to retain a key piece of their core, agreeing to a three-year, $45 million contract with veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto, according to multiple reports Friday.
The deal comes on the same day the Phillies missed out on top free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette, who instead signed with division rival New York Mets. Realmuto's return provides stability behind the plate and maintains continuity for a team that has reached the playoffs in each of the past four seasons.
The 34-year-old, three-time All-Star remains one of the most durable catchers in baseball, leading MLB with 132 appearances behind the dish in 2025. While his offensive production dipped last season (.257, 12 HR, .700 OPS), he delivered clutch hitting in the postseason, going 6-for-17 with four extra-base hits in the NLDS against the Dodgers.
Defensively, Realmuto continues to excel in controlling the running game, tying for the fastest pop time to second base in the majors last year. However, his heavy workload is a noted concern—since 2019, he has caught over 1,183 more innings than any other catcher in baseball.
Realmuto’s signing follows earlier moves to retain slugger Kyle Schwarber and extend manager Rob Thomson, signaling the Phillies’ intent to compete with a familiar core despite the departure of starter Ranger Suárez to Boston.
