As we inch closer to the 2026 MLB season, the Philadelphia Phillies continue to wait for long-time catcher J.T. Realmuto to decide on his future. While a reunion once felt like an inevitability, the longer this situation drags on, reuniting with the beloved backstop appears to be a bigger long shot.
With that in mind, rumors are beginning to leak out that the organization may be preparing for life without the veteran backstop. Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Phillies have shown interest in Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers as a possible replacement for Realmuto.
While this could just be offseason fodder, it is notable that this is the first legitimate rumor we have seen suggesting the Phillies could move forward without Realmuto. If the team is serious about looking to pivot at catcher, Jeffers would be a fantastic addition who offers significant upside to a lineup starving for a shakeup.
Ryan Jeffers Makes Sense for Phillies as JT Realmuto's Free Agency Continues
The 28-year-old backstop has spent all six seasons of his big league career in the Twin Cities and has shown flashes of being an above-average offensive catcher. For his career, Jeffers has slashed .239/.321/.419 (.740 OPS) while accumulating 8.3 WAR.
Jeffers' best season arguably came in 2023, where he smashed 14 homers and posted an OPS of .858 in 93 games for the Twins. He also hit 21 homers in 2024, so his power seems legit, and one could argue 20 home runs would be very realistic for him in 2026 when playing half of his games at Citizens Bank Park.
Jeffers is up for arbitration this offseason and is set to hit the open market following the 2026 season. He's projected to make $6.5 million next season, per Spotrac, and if he can stay around that mark in 2027, it would be a significant discount from what Realmuto is expected to receive in his next contract. These savings would allow the Phillies to potentially disperse that money to improve their roster for the upcoming season, perhaps to use to land Bo Bichette?
Of course, the Phillies would need to trade for Jeffers, so while they'd be saving financially, they would be losing elsewhere. That is where Alec Bohm comes into play; as with Jeffers, he is due to hit free agency following this season, and he is a guy the Phillies have reportedly expressed interest in moving. Could a 1-for-1 deal of Bohm for Jeffers work? Maybe the Phillies have to add a prospect or two? Regardless, this seems to make a lot of sense for both sides.
Ultimately, the Phillies find themselves in a stalemate with Realmuto, and he is ultimately the key to this whole situation. As the days tick by, though, maybe it is the Phillies who blink first and decide to move on. This situation is beginning to heat up, and it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.