Nick Piccone
Finally, the Phillies have their catcher.
Early Tuesday afternoon, Craig Mish of SportsGrid and MLB Network broke the news that J.T. Realmuto once again has a team – and it’s still the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Philadelphia Phillies and JT Realmuto are in agreement on a 5 year $115.5 million dollar contract. Pending physical. Per source.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 26, 2021
NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury soon confirmed it.
Can confirm: Phillies and JT Realmuto have an agreement on five year deal at $115.5 million. Record AAV for catcher
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) January 26, 2021
The Atlanta Braves moved into the discussion earlier this week, likely upping the previous rumored Phillies offer of five years, $100 million. $15.5 million shouldn’t be too much for an owner like John Middleton to afford.
The move likely appeases right fielder Bryce Harper, who’s been outspoken on his desire to have the Phillies re-sign his good buddy and star catcher. Realmuto is among the best defensive catchers in the league, and probably one of, if not the, best hitter. The Phillies keeping Realmuto certainly helps their lineup overall, but he also has a pitching rotation to work with of which he is familiar from last season. With a new pitching coach, let’s hope the pitch-calling – should Realmuto share responsibility – is just as good as the dingers.
You can follow Nick Piccone on Twitter (@nickpiccone) and e-mail him at [email protected]. You can read his pro wrestling articles on PhillyVoice here.
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