Phillies Make Amends with J.T. Realmuto After Bidding on Bo Bichette, a Free Agent Catcher Now Seemed Like the "Consolation Prize"
The Philadelphia Phillies have moved swiftly to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto after striking out on free agent All-Star infielder Bo Bichette, who ultimately signed with the New York Mets at a significantly higher price point. The three-year, $45 million deal that brought Realmuto back to Philly comes with the chance to earn an additional $15 million, taking his total potential earnings to $60 million.
While it's clear the Phillies wanted to sign Bichette to bolster their offense, it appears they've taken a pay cut on Realmuto in order to make room for other moves. The 35-year-old catcher is set to receive significantly less than his previous annual salary of $28.3 million. This could potentially allow the team to use some of that saved money to address concerns about the lineup.
Critics might say that signing Realmuto as a consolation prize doesn't exactly galvanize fan support, especially given Bichette's more dynamic playing style. However, there are arguments to be made for why Realmuto remains an invaluable asset to the franchise. The catcher has been instrumental in helping the team navigate challenging seasons, and his ability to handle one of baseball's best pitching staffs will undoubtedly be crucial.
In seven years with the Phillies, Realmuto has become a franchise-changer, leading the team to several playoff appearances, including a World Series bid last season. He's made two All-Star games and won two Gold Gloves while playing second base, where his defensive prowess is unmatched.
While Realmuto's power numbers have dipped in recent seasons, he remains a key piece of the Phillies' lineup. His ability to hit for average and control the running game at the plate makes him an important component of their offense.
In hindsight, it seems like the Phillies' pursuit of Bichette may have been a distraction from Realmuto's value. By securing his return, Philly can maintain some stability in the clubhouse while making adjustments elsewhere on the roster.
The Philadelphia Phillies have moved swiftly to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto after striking out on free agent All-Star infielder Bo Bichette, who ultimately signed with the New York Mets at a significantly higher price point. The three-year, $45 million deal that brought Realmuto back to Philly comes with the chance to earn an additional $15 million, taking his total potential earnings to $60 million.
While it's clear the Phillies wanted to sign Bichette to bolster their offense, it appears they've taken a pay cut on Realmuto in order to make room for other moves. The 35-year-old catcher is set to receive significantly less than his previous annual salary of $28.3 million. This could potentially allow the team to use some of that saved money to address concerns about the lineup.
Critics might say that signing Realmuto as a consolation prize doesn't exactly galvanize fan support, especially given Bichette's more dynamic playing style. However, there are arguments to be made for why Realmuto remains an invaluable asset to the franchise. The catcher has been instrumental in helping the team navigate challenging seasons, and his ability to handle one of baseball's best pitching staffs will undoubtedly be crucial.
In seven years with the Phillies, Realmuto has become a franchise-changer, leading the team to several playoff appearances, including a World Series bid last season. He's made two All-Star games and won two Gold Gloves while playing second base, where his defensive prowess is unmatched.
While Realmuto's power numbers have dipped in recent seasons, he remains a key piece of the Phillies' lineup. His ability to hit for average and control the running game at the plate makes him an important component of their offense.
In hindsight, it seems like the Phillies' pursuit of Bichette may have been a distraction from Realmuto's value. By securing his return, Philly can maintain some stability in the clubhouse while making adjustments elsewhere on the roster.
after bidding on Bo Bichette and ending up with what seems like a consolation prize 
. It's crazy how they went from wanting to sign Bichette so badly to taking a pay cut for Realmuto, who's still an awesome catcher 
. I mean, 35 and still killing it 
! The fact that he was instrumental in helping the team navigate tough seasons is huge 
. And let's be real, his defensive skills are unmatched 
️. Maybe they were trying to make room for other moves instead of focusing on Bichette's dynamic playing style 
. Either way, Realmuto's return is a win for the Phillies!
. People are gonna say it was a consolation prize and all, but let me tell you, that guy's been carrying them on his back for years 
. The Phillies made the right move by re-signing him, they just didn't want to pay him what he was worth 
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. But at the same time, it shows that the Phillies are still invested in him as a player and wanna keep him around 
. I think he's still super valuable to this team, especially with all the playoff appearances they've made together... And who knows, maybe gettin' back into a rhythm will help him bounce back from that slump 
. Either way, it's good to see Philly stick by their guy 
. I mean i know bichette was the more exciting signing but u gotta feel bad for realmuto gettin left out in the cold like that 
. i think they made the right call re-signing him tho, stability is key and now they can just focus on makin adjustments elsewhere 
. One minute they're all about signing Bo Bichette to get a boost and the next they're like "yeah forget you Realmuto" 
. I think it's crazy that they gave him a consolation prize deal though, like 15 mil extra can make a big difference for a catcher who's been carrying this team for years 
. So yeah, I'm rooting for JT again 
.
. Realmuto's still a great catcher and his skills at the plate are worth more than some people think 
. And let's be real, it's not like he's going to come in here and start hitting 40 home runs again 
... but he can still hit for average and control the running game, which is huge.
. The Phillies are trying to make some smart moves to get back to the top, and signing Realmuto might just be part of that plan 
.
The Phillies need stability at catcher, and Realmuto provides it. Plus, they can use the savings to make other moves and get more depth in their lineup. It's all about making smart decisions during the offseason.
. And let's be real, if Philly thinks they can make adjustments elsewhere on the roster to compensate for the loss of payroll, that's just more proof that they're willing to get creative with their money 
plus he's not just about hitting - his defense at 2b was insane 
they didn't need to cut his salary lol, he's still a beast on defense and can kill it at the plate too! 
I was literally worried that they were gonna screw up and pass on a gem like him for Bo Bichette 
And let's not forget about his defensive skills - the dude is a rock behind the plate 
. Plus, they're getting him for a fraction of what Bichette wanted 
!