J.T. Realmuto gets honest about whether the Philadelphia Phillies are running it back.
One of the big narratives surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason is that the roster, which has won 90-or-more games in the last three seasons, has largely stayed the same, despite them not being able to finish the job in the playoffs.
From the outside, questions began to arise about whether this core had what it takes to win a World Series and whether a roster shakeup was necessary.
From J.T. Realmuto’s perspective, who signed a fresh three-year deal with the Phillies in the offseason, the players on the team are still enough to win a championship, and they still have the drive to go out and finish what they’ve started.
“As far as staleness goes, like inside the clubhouse, we don't feel any of that. We're still as hungry as we've ever been because we haven't been able to finish the job,” said Realmuto on a recent podcast.
Apr 9, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) reacts with catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) after the Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesThe Phillies lost to the Dodgers in the National League Division Series, but the series was much closer than what the final score says, and Realmuto sees that as motivation.
“We have the pieces to win a championship. We all know that. I think the fans in the media know that as well. It's just a matter of putting it together and playing our best baseball at the right time,” continued Realmuto.
“Last year, I know we lost this series three-to-one, but the series was very close. Every game was very close. One play, here and there, changes that whole series. We didn't feel overmatched. If we play our best brand of baseball, we feel like we can beat anybody.”
No one is going to challenge Philadelphia’s hunger for a championship. The team has some of the most competitive players in baseball, including Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Realmuto himself.
On top of that, the team also has the necessary experience to put together a full 162-game regular season and throughout the playoffs.
Now, the question is, is that hunger enough for the Phillies to get over the playoff hump, or do they need to add another piece and break up the roster?
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