MLB Rumors: J.T. Realmuto, Phillies Have 'Mutual' Interest in Contract Extension

Having had a successful six-year partnership already, the Philadelphia Phillies and J.T. Realmuto are reportedly open to remaining together beyond the 2025 season when his current contract expires.

Per Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies and Realmuto have "mutual" interest in working out an extension.

"Obviously I have interest in coming back to the Phillies," Realmuto said in an appearance on Phillies Extra (h/t Lauber). "I love being here. My wife loves it here, my family. Their friends are all in the organization. So, there’s certainly interest on our end. I would hope the Phillies have interest, as well."

Realmuto is coming off arguably his worst season since joining the Phillies in February 2019. He hit .266/.322/.429 with 14 homers and 47 RBI. A knee injury that required surgery in the middle of the season kept him out for six weeks.

The 99 games played by Realmuto were his fewest in a full 162-game season since his rookie campaign in 2014. His 2.0 FanGraphs' wins above replacement were his fewest in a 162-game season since 2015.

Realmuto's age will certainly be a factor in any talks between the two sides. He will turn 34 on March 18. Any contract would almost certainly be a short-term deal, but it would provide the team with the comfort knowing they have stability behind the plate.

The Phillies might be better off waiting to see what Realmuto looks like when the season starts to make sure he's back at full strength and playing closer to his former All-Star level before locking in any money beyond 2025.

Realmuto is owed $23.9 million this season. The $23.1 million average annual salary of his six-year deal is the highest among all catchers.

The Phillies have roughly $102 million coming off their payroll after 2025. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suarez are their key free agents.

Team president Dave Dombrowski doesn't shy away from making a deal, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he were to come to terms with Realmuto on an extension.

Since his first season in Philadelphia in 2019, Realmuto has been the most valuable catcher in MLB by FanGraphs' wins above replacement. His 23.8 WAR is nearly seven wins more than the No. 2 catcher (Sean Murphy: 16.9).