Philadelphia Phillies they made an offer of five years for an “easy” value in excess of $ 100 million free agent catcher JT Realmuto, according to The Athletic reporter Jayson Stark. This is the second such offer Realmuto has made last spring, according to USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale, who adds that there is “a wave of optimism” that Philadelphia will sign Star again.
Realmuto, 29, spent the previous two seasons in Philadelphia, where the former Marlin continued his career as a major catcher for the major. Realmuto has made it known in those two years that it wants to remain a long-term Phillie, so it’s no wonder the team is making a serious effort to keep him. The subsidiaries “started to position themselves as favorites” in the Realmuto derby, writes Stark, partly because other potential suitors seem to disappear.
The Mets, who looked like one of the favorites to land on Realmuto when the off-season started, signed James McCann. The Yankees probably aren’t in the mix after agreeing to re-sign second base DJ LeMahieu for $ 90MM and retain receiver Gary Sanchez.
The Angels may not be involved after agreeing to sign Hawaiian veteran Kurt Suzuki on Friday, while Stark notes that the Rangers “seem unlikely” to sign a nine-figure deal at this time.
Astro seems to be suitable for Realmuto, but as a beneficiary of the qualifying offer, signing Realmuto would require giving up the drafts and he seems reluctant to do so. The nationals have shown interest in Realmuto, although it is not known if they are willing to hand over over 100 million dollars in this case. Realmuto’s draw could eventually reach the Phillies and Blue Jays, who appear to have been involved in every star player this winter.