As the Phillies navigate the offseason, one thing is clear: balancing J.T. Realmuto’s workload in 2025 will be crucial. Team executives Dave Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson acknowledged this in Tuesday's press conference, suggesting that more rest could be the key to ensuring the All-Star catcher is at his best when it matters most — in October.
Realmuto, who turns 34 in March and enters the final season of his five-year, $115.5 million contract, started 99 games behind the plate in 2024. It’s a significant dip from his 130 starts in 2022 and 2023, largely due to a right meniscus injury that required surgery in June. The injury slowed him early in the season, and though he returned, his struggles continued in the postseason, going 0-for-11 with four strikeouts in the NLDS. It’s a reminder of the toll that catching takes, especially as players age.
Rafael Marchán, Realmuto’s likely backup, turns 26 in February and appears poised to take on a larger role. Though injuries have hindered his progress, he’s shown promise both defensively and offensively, posting a .279/.333/.477 slash line in his limited big-league opportunities. “We like Marchán a lot,” said Dombrowski. “He’s shown some offensive prowess also. … He’s had a lot of injuries, but when he’s played, he’s played very well.”
The Phillies plan to protect themselves by adding catching depth in the upper minors, recognizing the potential need for reinforcements if Marchán’s injury issues persist. Garrett Stubbs, who served as Realmuto’s backup in 2024, has a minor-league option left, making him a flexible piece heading into spring training.
Thomson admitted he hasn’t yet approached Realmuto about reducing his starts, anticipating some resistance from a player known for his durability. “I’m not sure yet,” Thomson said with a smile. The Phillies aim to move Realmuto’s starts closer to 100-110 games, rather than his usual 130, but selling the concept to a veteran catcher proud of his reliability will be a challenge.
Realmuto’s production dipped in 2024, with a .751 OPS — his lowest since his rookie season in 2015. Yet even in a down year, he remained among the top offensive catchers in the league. “If you give J.T. some more time off,” Thomson noted, “I think his numbers will get better.”
Data supports the need for rest. Only one catcher in the last decade — Yadier Molina in 2018 — has started 120 games at age 34 or older.
With Realmuto’s contract and legacy on the line, the Phillies must navigate this situation delicately. His value to the team extends beyond his bat; his leadership and defense remain top-tier. Finding the right balance of rest could be the key to maximizing his contributions when the Phillies need him most — in the thick of October baseball.