“Kyle is a tremendous part of what we’ve built here.” Dave Dombrowski’s words carry weight, but this offseason, the Phillies president might have to make a choice that contradicts his own sentiment. Philly finds itself in an uncomfortable position—two franchise cornerstones hitting free agency simultaneously, and the harsh reality that they might only be able to keep one. Kyle Schwarber, the heart of their lineup, could be the odd man out. The reason? Lack of potent players behind the plate.

The player they must focus on is J.T. Realmuto. He entered free agency after his five-year, $115.5 million deal expired.

The 33-year-old has been Philadelphia’s anchor behind the plate since 2019, but his market value extends beyond personal performance.

MLB’s shallow catching pool has made him an asset. Finding a catcher who can handle an elite pitching staff while contributing offensively has become nearly impossible, and Realmuto—despite recent offensive decline—remains the best available option by a considerable margin.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com captured the dilemma perfectly in his latest column. “There’s a case for Kyle Schwarber to be the pick here, as the Phillies want to bring the slugger back, as well,” Feinsand wrote.

“But with a weak catching market and no replacement behind the plate waiting in the wings, Philly needs to re-sign Realmuto, who is far and away the best catcher available despite his age and offensive decline.”

Realmuto posted a .257/.315/.384 slash line in 2025 with 12 home runs. Those aren’t MVP numbers, but his defensive value tells the real story. His game-calling ability and strong relationship with Philadelphia’s pitching staff have been instrumental to their recent success.

Schwarber brings the power—a fan favorite who can flip a game with one swing. Realmuto brings stability—the defensive anchor who manages pitchers and controls the game’s tempo. Different values, equal importance.

The urgency becomes clearer when you scan the alternatives. Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer said, “The Phillies are planning for contingencies, especially at catcher, where the free-agent alternatives are strikingly unappealing.” Dombrowski knows this. That’s why he’s not waiting around.

Dombrowski made it clear the Phillies will bring in a catcher regardless of Realmuto’s decision. Rafael Marchan, the in-house option, can manage everyday tasks with his glove, but his bat is a question mark.

That’s pushed Philadelphia toward the trade market. And analysts have already identified one name as the Phillies’ Plan B.

Why Rutschman could be the Phillies’ Plan B for Realmuto

As part of their backup plan for the catcher position, the Philadelphia Phillies may go after Adley Rutschman this winter. The first choice in the 2019 MLB Draft still has two years left on his deal before he can become a free agent, but he had a bad season in 2025.

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report noted, “The Phillies have nothing remotely resembling an in-house replacement (at catcher), and the free-agent market is also largely devoid of starting-caliber catching talent, with Danny Jansen and Victor Caratini the top names behind Realmuto.”

He also wrote, “That could steer the Phillies to the trade market. Adley Rutschman looked like a franchise cornerstone in Baltimore just a few years ago, but after the team signed young catcher Samuel Basallo to an eight-year extension in August and with free agency approaching for Rutschman after the 2027 season, it’s fair to wonder if that is still the case. ”

Rutschman had a .673 OPS in 90 games in 2025, even though he was battling with oblique issues and problems on offense. Still, his prior form included a 2023 OPS+ of 128 and two All-Star selections.

If the Phillies can’t sign J.T. Realmuto this winter, Rutschman is a good backup option. He gives the Phillies a younger option behind the plate that they can control, which might keep Philadelphia in the running without having to sign an expensive free agent.