The Philadelphia Phillies have receiver a big update on one All-Star move they are attempting to complete.
The Philadelphia Phillies have been rather busy lately, first re-signing Kyle Schwarber and then adding pieces like Adolis Garcia and Brad Keller.
Now, they can turn their attention to their next target: J.T. Realmuto.
Robert Murray of FanSided has reported that the Phillies want to re-sign Realmuto, who has been the team's starting catcher since 2019.
However, it is no sure thing that the veteran returns to Philadelphia.
"(Philadelphia) wants to retain him, but there are other teams in the mix for Realmuto as well," Murray said. "It's no guarantee he returns, but it's clear they want him. I've mentioned it with the Dodgers whenever they pursue star players, and I'll say it with the Phillies, too. When they really want a player, how often do they miss? We'll see, but they have a lot of love for him there."
Realmuto is a three-time All-Star, with two of his All-Star appearances coming in Philadelphia. This past year, however, the 34-year-old displayed significant signs of decline, slashing .257/.315/.384 with 12 home runs and 52 RBI over 552 plate appearances.
The Phillies do not really have any other internal options to replace Realmuto, as Rafael Marchan is clearly not a starter. There also aren't really any legitimate backstops available in free agency, and finding one on the trade market is always tough.
That's why Realmuto actually has some leverage here. Yes, he is aging, and yes, he isn't quite the same player anymore, but what is the alternative for Philadelphia?
Realmuto began his career with the Miami Marlins in 2014 and spent five seasons with the Marlins before being traded to the Phillies ahead of the 2019 campaign.
The former third-round pick owns a lifetime .774 OPS and has three Silver Slugger awards to his name. He has also captured a pair of Gold Gloves, and he finished seventh in NL MVP voting as recently as 2022.
Realmuto is said to be seeking a multi-year contract worth in the neighborhood of $15 million annually. We'll see if Philadelphia, which has clearly been watching its payroll, is willing to dole out that type of cash to retain the veteran.