MLB Rumors: One Team Out on Free Agent J.T. Realmuto

December 05, 2025 ,
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto hits the ball during 2025 game.

One team is already out of the J.T. Realmuto free agency sweepstakes. 

After non-tendering Jonah Heim, Texas badly needs a starting catcher, but multiple reports from Ken Rosenthal, Patrick Mooney and Evan Grant indicate the Rangers simply don’t have the payroll flexibility to chase the top catcher on the market. 

With projected 2026 payroll sitting well below last year’s level and other needs in the bullpen and lineup, a two- or three-year deal at something like $30 million or more for a 34-year-old Realmuto appears to be off their board.

Realmuto still profiles as the class of this free-agent catching group (a three-time All-Star with recent 2+ WAR seasons, steady defense and enough offense to help lengthen a contender’s lineup), but his price tag doesn’t match where the Rangers are operating. 

Instead, Texas is expected to pivot to more affordable options such as Victor Caratini or Danny Jansen, or explore the trade market. 

Names like Kansas City Royals prospect Carter Jensen would require a premium prospect going back (Sebastian Walcott range), while short-term bridges like Ryan Jeffers or Joey Bart could buy time for 2024 first-rounder Malcolm Moore to develop.

For the Philadelphia Phillies, the Rangers’ apparent exit from the Realmuto sweepstakes is welcome news. With one major catcher-needy suitor likely out, Philadelphia’s chances of bringing back their longtime backstop, despite interest from the Boston Red Sox and others, just got a little better.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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