Phillies Face Key Decisions on Catching Position as Realmuto Approaches Contract Year
As the Philadelphia Phillies gear up for the offseason, the future of their catching position is under scrutiny, particularly with veteran J.T. Realmuto nearing his mid-30s and entering the final year of his contract. Realmuto has been a pivotal player for the Phillies since joining the team, but concerns about his durability and performance have prompted the organization to reassess their options behind the plate.
Realmuto, who has logged over 5,500 innings caught since 2019, experienced a decline in playing time last season due to injury, participating in only 99 games. His offensive output also dipped, resulting in a career-low OPS of .751. As he prepares for the 2025 season at age 34, the Phillies are contemplating a strategy that may involve reducing his playing time to enhance his longevity and effectiveness.
Internal Candidates for Backup Role
With Realmuto’s health in mind, the Phillies are evaluating potential internal candidates for the backup catcher position. Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs are currently in the mix. Marchán, a former top prospect, has shown promise in limited appearances, achieving a .294 batting average and an impressive .894 OPS in just 56 plate appearances last season. However, his injury history—marked by significant time missed due to hamstring and hand injuries—raises questions about his reliability.
Stubbs, while a fan favorite and a dependable presence in the clubhouse, has struggled offensively with a .207 batting average and a .628 OPS over three seasons with the Phillies. Given these statistics, it is likely that the organization may consider parting ways with Stubbs this offseason in search of more offensive production from their backup catcher.
Management’s Perspective
Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has indicated that a shift in strategy regarding their catching depth is on the horizon. While he acknowledged Stubbs’ contributions to the team, he emphasized the need for a backup capable of stepping up if Realmuto’s playing time is reduced. “We like Marchán a lot… He’s shown some offensive prowess… So I think we have some people capable of doing that internally,” Dombrowski stated.
As free agency approaches, it remains uncertain whether the Phillies will seek external options for additional catching depth or rely on their internal candidates. The organization is expected to evaluate all possibilities while keeping a close eye on Realmuto’s health and performance metrics.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming offseason presents both challenges and opportunities for the Philadelphia Phillies as they navigate roster decisions surrounding J.T. Realmuto and their catching situation. With Realmuto’s future beyond 2025 uncertain, establishing a reliable backup catcher will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the National League East. The decisions made this winter could significantly impact the team’s success as they aim for another postseason run.
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