Season Preview: Is JT Realmuto is still the best catcher in the NL East entering pivotal contract year with the Phillies

At 34 years old, JT Realmuto isn’t just fighting off runners trying to steal second—he’s fighting off Father Time.

Catchers don’t age like wine; they age like milk left out in the Florida sun. But somehow, Realmuto keeps finding ways to stay productive, and in 2025, the Phillies are banking on him doing it one more time.

JT Realmuto thinks the Phillies rotation features a No. 1 and four No. 2’s

His contract is up after the season, and if he wants to stick around, he’ll have to prove two things:

✅ He’s still one of the best catchers in baseball
✅ His offensive decline isn’t a steep one

And oh yeah, there’s one more wrinkle—the Phillies are open to playing him in the outfield to keep his bat in the lineup. If that happens, the JT Realmuto era as Philadelphia’s franchise catcher might be on borrowed time.

The Best Catcher in Baseball: Heavy Is The Head…

JT Realmuto’s 2024 season wasn’t spectacular, but it was solid enough to justify his standing as the NL East’s best catcher:

🔹 .266/.314/.424 slash line
🔹 14 home runs
🔹 47 RBIs
🔹 99 games played (missed time with injury)

The power numbers were down, and his OPS has declined three straight years. But Realmuto still has a rocket arm, a Gold Glove résumé, and is capable of controlling the game behind the plate in ways that analytics don’t always capture.

One big question is how much the Phillies will use him at catcher in 2025. If they really do start rotating him into the outfield, that could mean more playing time for Rafael Marchán, a 25-year-old switch-hitter who has long been a highly regarded prospect in the organization.

If the Phillies want JT Realmuto to stay fresh all season—and possibly earn another contract—finding ways to lighten his catching load might be key.

How Does JT Realmuto Rank in the NL East?

Team	Catcher (Age)	2024 Stats	2025 Proj	Career WAR
Phillies	J.T. Realmuto (34)	.266, 14 HR, 47 RBI	.257, 16 HR, 56 RBI	36.3
Braves	Sean Murphy (30)	.193, 10 HR, 25 RBI	.235, 14 HR, 45 RBI	13.3
Mets	Francisco Alvarez (23)	.237, 11 HR, 47 RBI	.237, 18 HR, 57 RBI	1.9
Marlins	Nick Fortes (28)	.227, 4 HR, 29 RBI	.225, 9 HR, 37 RBI	0.8
Nationals	Keibert Ruiz (26)	.229, 13 HR, 57 RBI	.249, 15 HR, 56 RBI	4.0

JT Realmuto still owns the division, even if Sean Murphy gets back to form after an injury-riddled season. Francisco Alvarez is a wild card, as the Mets believe he could blossom into a star, but he hasn’t done it yet. Keibert Ruiz has upside, but Washington is still waiting for him to put it all together.

For now, Realmuto remains the gold standard in the NL East, but he’s got some challengers creeping up behind him.

Phillies Weighing Future Options Behind The Plate

With Realmuto’s contract set to expire after 2025, the Phillies need a plan for the future.

1. Rafael Marchán – The Immediate Backup/Replacement?

Marchán is only 25, he’s been in the Phillies system since 2016, and the team has always been high on his offensive potential. He doesn’t have much power, but he’s a strong contact hitter who could be a major upgrade over Garrett Stubbs as the No. 2 catcher.

The Phillies would love to see Marchán step up and prove he can take over as the everyday guy—or at least be good enough that they don’t feel the need to throw big money at Realmuto again.

2. Eduardo Tait – The Big Prospect to Watch

If Marchán doesn’t develop into a long-term answer, the Phillies might already have their next great catcher in the system.

Eduardo Tait, an 18-year-old Panamanian prospect, is already ranked No. 5 in the Phillies’ farm system (via FanGraphs).

Last season, Tait hit .302 across two minor league levels, mashing 11 home runs and 73 RBIs in just 79 games. His power from the left side is legit, and he has a cannon behind the plate.

The downside? He’s still a teenager, and there’s a long road ahead before he’s MLB-ready. But if he keeps mashing in the minors, the Phillies might have a reason to move on from Realmuto after 2025 rather than give him another contract.

Final Thoughts: Is This JT Realmuto’s Last Year in Philly?

The Phillies love JT Realmuto. He’s been a key leader, he’s still playing well, and he hasn’t fallen off a cliff the way some veteran catchers do.

But the team is also thinking about the future—and asking Realmuto to play some outfield feels like a trial run for life after him.

If he stays healthy and keeps producing, it’s possible the Phillies work out a short-term extension. If Marchán steps up, or if they feel Tait is on the fast track, this could be his last ride in Philly.

One thing’s for sure—catching is still a strength for the Phillies, no matter what happens next.

JT REALMUTO IS UNSTOPPABLE.#RedOctober | #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/WCrw5NQ7nI

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) October 11, 2023

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