The start of the 2025 MLB season was a mixed bag for the Philadelphia Phillies, to say the least. After impressively opening the year with back-to-back wins over the Washington Nationals, outscoring their NL East rivals 18-9 on aggregate, the Phillies were brought back down to earth with Sunday's 5-1 blowout loss.
As exciting as it's been for Phillies fans to watch their favorite players after a long offseason, the start of a new campaign can be bittersweet. After all, not everyone's future in Philadelphia is safe, and there's a good chance that a handful of players won't be back on next year's roster.
With that in mind, here are three Phillies who likely just played their last Opening Day with the team.
1. J.T. Realmuto, C
There's a decent chance that the 2025 season could be J.T. Realmuto's final run with the Phillies. The veteran catcher is playing on an expiring contract, and even though he's recently discussed a potential extension with the club, nothing is guaranteed and Realmuto could be playing with a different team this time next year.
It's hard to remember a time when Realmuto wasn't calling games for the Phillies behind home plate. The three-time Silver Slugger is in his seventh season with the franchise, having spent the six previous years racking up 109 home runs, 382 RBIs, 208 walks, and a .266/.331/.463 slash line.
Unfortunately, that consistency hasn't followed him into 2024. He's only registered one hit through his first nine at-bats, also striking out four times without drawing a walk. Failure to turn things around and get back on track could have the Phillies debating Realmuto's future before the trade deadline even arrives.
After turning 34 years old a few weeks ago, it remains to be seen if Realmuto can still be one of the MLB's top catchers. If he can't turn things around and his regression continues, it wouldn't be shocking if the 2025 season is his last one in the City of Brotherly Love.