Phillies Sign J.T. Realmuto After Missing Bo Bichette Deal
In a surprising turn of events, the Philadelphia Phillies have reached an agreement with catcher J.T. Realmuto on a substantial three-year, $45 million contract. This comes shortly after the New York Mets offered a significant deal to Bo Bichette, indicating a competitive atmosphere in the league.
Details of J.T. Realmuto’s Contract
The contract with Realmuto, confirmed by sources to The Inquirer, includes performance incentives that could boost its value to $60 million. This bonus structure represents a record for free agents in Major League Baseball.
- Contract Length: Three years
- Total Value: $45 million
- Bonus Potential: Up to $5 million per year
- Age of Realmuto: 35 in March
The deal is set to carry him through his age-37 season. Despite a challenging previous season where he recorded a .257 batting average with 12 home runs, Realmuto continues to be recognized as one of baseball’s premier defensive catchers.
Realmuto’s Impact on the Phillies
Manager Rob Thomson has praised Realmuto’s skills, stating that he is among the most prepared catchers he has encountered. Realmuto has been a vital part of the Phillies since joining the team in 2019, and his re-signing was a key goal for the organization during the offseason.
Failed Bid for Bo Bichette
Meanwhile, the Phillies expressed interest in Bo Bichette as a potential upgrade to their lineup. However, after failing to secure the two-time All-Star, they will now face him in the National League East. Bichette, who spent his first seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, had an impressive season with a .311 batting average in 2025, ranking second in the American League.
- Previous Team: Toronto Blue Jays
- 2025 Batting Average: .311
- Injury Status: Came back from a knee injury in the World Series
Bichette is expected to transition to third base with the Mets, a position he has yet to play in his major league career. This shift comes after the Mets secured shortstop Francisco Lindor and traded for second baseman Marcus Semien earlier this offseason.
As the season approaches, the competitive dynamics within the National League East continue to evolve, underscoring the importance of strategic signings and player acquisitions for contenders like the Phillies and Mets.
