The Philadelphia Phillies have made an offer on five years for a value “slightly” over $ 100 million According to reporter for The Athletic Jayson Stark, JT Realmuto. It is the second offer the team has made to Realmuto since last spring, according to USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale, who adds that there is “a wave of optimism” that Philadelphia’s two-time All-Star.
Realmuto, 29, spent the previous two seasons in Philadelphia, where the ex-Marlin continued his career as the main catcher for the majors. Realmuto announced in those two years that he wanted to remain Phillie for the long haul, so it’s not surprising that the team is making a serious effort to keep him. The Phillies have “started to position themselves as the favorites” in the Realmuto derby, Stark writes, in part because other potential suitors seem to be disappearing.
The Mets, who looked like one of the favorites to land Realmuto when the off-season started, signed James McCann. The Yankees are unlikely to be in the mix after agreeing to re-contract second baseman DJ LeMahieu for $ 90 million and keep catcher Gary Sanchez.
The Angels may not be involved after agreeing to sign seasoned Hawaiian backstop Kurt Suzuki on Friday, while Stark notes that it is “unlikely” that the Rangers will hand out a nine-figure contract at this point.
The Astros appear to be fit for Realmuto, but as the recipient of the eligible offer, signing Realmuto would require giving up concept choices and they are reportedly reluctant to do so. The Nationals have expressed interest in Realmuto, although it is not known whether they intend to hand over more than $ 100 million in this case. The Realmuto draw could ultimately come down to the Phillies and Blue Jays, who apparently got involved with every star player this winter.