The Philadelphia Phillies' pursuit of Bo Bichette has come to an abrupt end, and it's clear that J.T. Realmuto was always the team's top priority. After sparking fan excitement with a blockbuster offer for the talented infielder, the Phillies have predictably re-signed their beleaguered catcher.
Since December, when the team made Realmuto a "priority," his status had become somewhat of an afterthought as the Bichette deal took center stage. However, with the All-Star signing declining to join the Phillies, Realmuto's name once again rose to the forefront.
According to reports, Realmuto has inked a three-year contract worth $45 million, with the option for an additional $15 million in performance bonuses. While this may be viewed as a paycut from his $28.3 million salary last season, it serves as a clear indication that the Phillies still have significant funds to invest in bolstering their offense.
Critics may argue that Realmuto's re-signing won't rally the fan base, particularly given his age – he'll turn 35 during spring training – and decline in power numbers. However, there's an argument to be made that his exceptional defensive skills will continue to provide immense value to the team, even as they navigate the challenge of replacing Bichette.
Realmuto's impact on the Phillies cannot be overstated. Since joining the team via trade with Miami in 2019, he has transformed the franchise from a perennial losing squad into one capable of competing for championships. His leadership and defensive prowess have been instrumental in the team's recent success, including multiple postseason appearances, an NL East pennant, and a World Series bid.
Despite a dip in power numbers last season, Realmuto remains one of the best at throwing out baserunners at second base. He has made two All-Star games and won two Gold Gloves during his seven seasons with the Phillies. While his batting numbers have declined, he still provides a key element to the team's lineup.
The Phillies' decision to prioritize Realmuto over Bichette serves as a testament to their confidence in their catcher's abilities. Even if this signing is viewed as Plan B, it demonstrates the team's commitment to maintaining a strong foundation while exploring options to upgrade their offense.
Since December, when the team made Realmuto a "priority," his status had become somewhat of an afterthought as the Bichette deal took center stage. However, with the All-Star signing declining to join the Phillies, Realmuto's name once again rose to the forefront.
According to reports, Realmuto has inked a three-year contract worth $45 million, with the option for an additional $15 million in performance bonuses. While this may be viewed as a paycut from his $28.3 million salary last season, it serves as a clear indication that the Phillies still have significant funds to invest in bolstering their offense.
Critics may argue that Realmuto's re-signing won't rally the fan base, particularly given his age – he'll turn 35 during spring training – and decline in power numbers. However, there's an argument to be made that his exceptional defensive skills will continue to provide immense value to the team, even as they navigate the challenge of replacing Bichette.
Realmuto's impact on the Phillies cannot be overstated. Since joining the team via trade with Miami in 2019, he has transformed the franchise from a perennial losing squad into one capable of competing for championships. His leadership and defensive prowess have been instrumental in the team's recent success, including multiple postseason appearances, an NL East pennant, and a World Series bid.
Despite a dip in power numbers last season, Realmuto remains one of the best at throwing out baserunners at second base. He has made two All-Star games and won two Gold Gloves during his seven seasons with the Phillies. While his batting numbers have declined, he still provides a key element to the team's lineup.
The Phillies' decision to prioritize Realmuto over Bichette serves as a testament to their confidence in their catcher's abilities. Even if this signing is viewed as Plan B, it demonstrates the team's commitment to maintaining a strong foundation while exploring options to upgrade their offense.
... I mean, he's still a beast behind the plate and his defensive skills are top-notch 
. I know some people might say he's old for an infielder but like come on, he's still a three-time Gold Glove winner 
. And let's be real, his leadership has been instrumental in the team's recent success 
. I think this signing is all about stability and building a strong foundation for the future, which is what every team needs 
. Bichette might have been the sexy pickup but Realmuto is still the heartbeat of that Phillies roster 
.
. Like, it's clear the team loves him and wants to keep him around. But honestly, I'm not sure if this signing is a total win for them. I mean, he's getting paid $45 million over three years, which isn't bad, but it's not like they're breaking the bank or anything either 
. And let's be real, at 35, his power numbers are gonna decline even more 
. Still, if anyone can make a difference with their defense, it's Realmuto. He's been rock solid behind the plate for years, and that's something no one can take away from him 
. So yeah, I'll give them points for committing to their catcher, but we'll just have to see how this plays out in the long run 
. The Phillies are basically saying that they had a solid plan for their catcher and now it's good enough 
. Can we see more info on how this contract will impact the team's payroll in the long run? 
they're not gonna sacrifice their defense for some flash in the pan, and i'm hyped for JT to lead them into another playoff run 
. Yeah, his power numbers might be down, but that's a small price to pay for stability behind the plate. The Phillies are building for the long haul here and this signing sends a strong message that they're not gonna compromise on their core. It's all about finding that balance between offense and defense and I think they nailed it 
The Phillies know what they want and they went for it! I mean, Realmuto's defensive skills are insane 
, he's basically a magician behind the plate. People talk about his age, but let's be real, 35 isn't old in baseball years 
. Bichette was always the flashy guy, but Realmuto's been the real MVP for Philly since he got here 
. I'm hyped about this signing, it shows the front office knows what they're doing 
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. Plus, his defensive skills are still top-notch 
. And yeah, Realmuto was always the priority cuz you can't win it all without a solid catcher behind the plate 
. Don't get me wrong, I love Bichette's game but Realmuto's defensive skills are still top notch and he's only 35 so I don't think his production is gonna tank too hard 
. So yeah, Realmuto's re-signing is a win-win for Philly fans and the team itself 
And 35 this spring? That's not getting any younger... 
But hey, the Phillies are on a roll with their new catcher, so I guess it all worked out in the end 
but now they're actually looking like a legit contender! J.T. Realmuto is definitely a top-notch catcher and his defensive skills are still gonna bring it every game 
️. I mean, he's not getting any younger (35 by spring training 
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️. Even if this signing is considered "Plan B", it's still a solid move in my book 
now that Bichette is off the table, it's all about finding ways to boost their offense and Realmuto's defense is still super solid imo 
so i think this signing is a win for Philly in my book 
. They really have something special with Realmuto and I think they're making a smart move by keeping him around 
That 3-year deal isn't so bad, and the performance bonuses could really boost his earning potential in the future 
That's what it's all about - finding your tribe and working together towards a common goal 
I'm curious to see how he'll bounce back from last season and what that means for the team's overall chances this year.
. Still, I guess you can never have too much defense at second base, and he's still one of the best in the game