Red Sox become first potential alternative to Phillies for J.T. Realmuto in free agency

The Boston Red Sox are "showing interest" in J.T. Realmuto, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic.

It should be noted that Rosenthal and McCaffrey's story goes on to opine that "the best guess with Realmuto is that he will still re-sign with the Phillies." 

Nonetheless, it is interesting to consider what would happen if a team — be it the Red Sox or another club — becomes smitten with Realmuto and blows him away with an offer. Considering Realmuto is entering his age-35 season, there has to be a number that the Phillies would feel uncomfortable going to, right? 

Realmuto was once such a good offensive player that he would have had value playing any position. At this stage of his career, his value exists almost entirely as a catcher, a position where it's so hard to find an impact player at. But there are some indicators that would lead you to believe giving the three-time All-Star another multi-year deal might not age well. 

If you compare Realmuto's career-year of 2022 to what he did last season, the difference is stark. 

2022 (139 games): 22 home runs, 84 RBI, .820 OPS, 11 defensive runs saved, 15 fielding run value, 6.7 WAR

2025 (134 games): 12 home runs, 52 RBI, .700 OPS, minus-two defensive saved, minus-10 fielding run value, 2.1 WAR

To his credit, Realmuto remains elite at throwing out would-be basestealers. He runs the bases about as well as any catcher you'll ever see. And every pitcher that works with him touts his tireless preparation before games, something that is hard to quantify statistically. 

If the Phillies don't re-sign Realmuto — even at this stage of his career — they would almost certainly be taking a step back at catcher in 2026, barring a trade for another established veteran. 

Like we said, though, a fear of turning things over to some combination of Rafael Marchán and either Garrett Stubbs or another veteran not currently on the team only goes so far. Will another suitor like the Red Sox force the Phillies to seriously consider pivoting from arguably the greatest catcher in franchise history? 

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