Reports coming out over the weekend state that JT Realmuto is looking for a deal even larger than originally thought. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported Saturday that the Phillies’ catcher will be potentially seeking the biggest contract in history for a catcher, which would hold a $200 million dollar price tag.

“Realmuto is eyeing a record-shattering contract for a catcher, perhaps in the $200 million range,” Zolecki wrote.

Realmuto is 29 years old and is set to become a free agent this offseason after spending the past two seasons with the Phillies. Realmuto is an elite defender and solid at the plate, batting .273/.333./.492 during his 2-year stint in Philadelphia.

Joe Mauer currently holds the largest deal for a catcher in MLB history at $184 million. Buster Posey signed an 8-year contract extension in 2013 worth $167 million. A deal in the $200 million dollar range would be the second-largest on the team if Realmuto returns to the Phillies behind Bryce Harper’s $330 million contract that he signed before the 2019 season.

The Phillies need to move quickly and sign JT Realmuto. Add him to the list of core players on the Phillies who are all in their prime baseball years.

• Bryce Harper
• Rhys Hoskins
• Aaron Nola
• Zack Wheeler

A $200 million dollar contract will likely sit around $25million AAV. The Phillies can 100% afford to pay Realmuto that kind of money. Middleton should be in contact with Realmuto’s people today and offering 5 years $125 million to start the negotiation process. If they don’t, someone else surely will. The Phillies have roughly $65 million coming off the books heading into 2021 and will have an additional $7 million if they decide to part ways with a few other players. (Here’s a complete breakdown) If the Phillies decide to part ways with Realmuto and fellow free agent Didi Gregorius, the city of Philadelphia will go up in flames and rightfully so.

The money is there. Your franchise player Bryce Harper wants JT Realmuto back. Rhys Hoskins has shown his support. Nola and Wheeler have echoed similar statements throughout the year about how great it is to have Realmuto behind the plate.

There’s absolutely no reason to not give JT the money he’s seeking and solidify a lineup that’s closer to competing for a world championship than people think.

Mandatory Credit: The Philadelphia Inquirer