MLB Rumors: 3 Teams That Could Sign J.T. Realmuto This Winter

October 29, 2025 , , ,
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto reacts during 2025 game.

The J.T. Realmuto free agency sweepstakes will define part of the winter for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

The veteran catcher just posted a steady season while again showing elite receiving and pop time behind the plate, and the market for true everyday backstops is thin. 

Realmuto shut down questions right after the NLDS loss, yet interest will be fierce. Philadelphia wants him back, but price, term, and a crowded list of internal priorities could let someone jump the line.

Why the Phillies could still lose him

Philadelphia has reasons to re-sign Realmuto. The depth chart behind him is light and his defense still tilts games. At 34, he will chase one more multi-year deal and the catching market favors him. 

The Phillies also face calls on other core pieces and a payroll already heavy with long contracts. If the bidding stretches to higher AAV with meaningful term, the front office must decide how much future risk is worth the present stability.

Zachary Howell of Clutch Points has linked three teams who could snag Realmuto from the Phillies this winter.

Three fits that can steal J.T. Realmuto

The New York Yankees can leverage need and resources. Austin Wells flashed, but New York wants a surer anchor for a staff built to win now. Realmuto’s contact quality and game management would settle the position while giving Aaron Boone a clear everyday option and late-inning matchup flexibility. 

If the Yankees miss on bigger bats, reallocating funds to catcher becomes an easy call.

The San Francisco Giants crave a bat-first upgrade that still handles the pitching staff. Patrick Bailey has value, yet adding Realmuto would raise the offensive floor immediately and let San Francisco explore Bailey in trade concepts for another piece at midseason. 

With a new manager and a win-now posture after recent star pursuits, this is a clean baseball fit if ownership greenlights the spend.

The Tampa Bay Rays are the wild card. New ownership momentum plus a rotation that benefits from a veteran handler could push them to shop at the top of the catching aisle. 

Realmuto represents a massive jump over the current options and would extract more value from Tampa Bay’s run prevention model. Cost is the question, but if the market softens or structure is creative, the Rays make real sense.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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