Watch insiders get an update on the JT Realmuto reunion live on MLB Network
On Friday night, Philadelphia Philliesjust missing out on Beau Bichet in free agency, finished a a three-year, $45 million contract with JT Realmut to keep the 34-year-old catcher in the City of Brotherly Love. The reception to Realmut’s new deal has been mixed, with some believing they had to hold out to keep the veteran, while some have raised some questions about the risk that comes with signing an old catcher to a deal of that type.
But whatever the case, Realmut’s return to the Phillies is a big deal. And insiders were all over the breaking news – Fansided and Foul Territori TV’s Robert Murray was even caught on camera on MLB Network when received a call from his source reveals that the veteran catcher has been returning to his team for the past seven seasons.
The camera was rolling @BiRobertMurray received a call from JT Realmuto‘s reported a return to Philadelphia 👀 https://t.co/GMUraeTL7e pic.tvitter.com/JtPlI7tCRk
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 16, 2026
Realmuto has been one of the most consistent backstops in the MLB over the past decade, and the Phillies have to be pleased to have him back as much as Murray was thrilled to receive that call during the taping.
The Phillies make the astute decision of JT Realmut
Realmuto is no longer one of the best catchers in MLB, but the intangibles he provides for the Phillies are very important to their chances of competing. And it’s not like he’s a Martin Maldonado-type catcher who couldn’t hit but still finds work because of his pitch calling and leadership — he can still produce somewhat with the bat, making him a solid player at the catcher position.
This is a rate for above-average catchers, and the Phillies know they can’t afford to lose another key player, especially with Ranger Suarez heading east to the Boston Red Sox. And in just three years, the risks of this arrangement are minimal anyway.
2026-01-17 06:53:00
