J.T. Realmuto Stays with the Phillies: Signs for Three Years and 45 Million Dollars
Star catcher J.T. Realmuto has reached an agreement to extend his stay with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to reports. The contract is for three years and is valued at 45 million dollars.
In addition, the agreement could include bonuses that could add up to $5 million annually to their earnings.
This signing adds to the Phillies’ recent decisions in the free agency market. The team was also interested in infielder Bo Bichette, who ultimately signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets.
Realmuto, a three-time All-Star and winner of two Gold Gloves, made his decision a month after designated hitter Kyle Schwarber chose to remain with the Phillies on a five-year, $150 million contract.
Realmuto, who will turn 35 in March, batted .257 with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs in 134 games last season. He tied for the league lead with 132 games caught. His .700 OPS was the lowest since 2015.
In his career, Realmuto has a .270 batting average with 180 home runs and 677 RBIs in 12 seasons with the Miami Marlins (2014-18) and the Phillies.
Realmuto, one of the few catchers who play daily in the current MLB, has played 641 games, the second most among catchers in the last five years, behind Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals (728). His 19.0 wins above replacement in the same period of time put him in second place behind Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Phillies have also reached agreements this offseason with right-handed pitcher Brad Keller (2 years, $22 million) and outfielder Adolis García (1 year, $10 million).
