J.T. Realmuto might be thrilled with the extension Salvador Perez got two weeks back. Perez, after all, is 10 months older and yet managed to get a two-year $25 million extension. But, well, in Philadelphia, that kind of security feels like a long shot for Realmuto. In fact, if at all, they might be prepping to unload Realmuto’s $115 million contract.

At the GM meetings in Las Vegas, when asked about Realmuto’s future with the Phillies, Dombrowski didn’t hide the uncertainty.

“If that happened, I don’t know what we would do, but we’ve explored options and had conversations to see who might be available and who may not be available. So now you have a pulse of, OK, let’s pick up the phone and see if we can get something done.”

The Inquirer said the Phillies will likely have to trade for a new catcher if they don’t keep Realmuto. And not because Realmuto has suddenly become expendable, it is because Kyle Schwarber is the center of focus – the star Dombrowski can’t afford to lose now.

Moreover, it might be naive to think that a deal similar to what Perez got is what J.T. Realmuto would receive. This is because Perez even took less money for stability after a 30-homer season. Meanwhile, Realmuto is dealing with four straight years of offensive decline, which doesn’t have that kind of momentum. So the Phillies might go on without him, even though he was once the face of modern catching.

Plus, the Phillies need to see the numbers and decide—and for now, Kyle Schwarber might be their priority. In fact, if you listen to Dave Dombrowski, it is clear that they want him back; they need him back. He mentioned that the team has made what he called a “strong and fair offer reflective of Kyle’s value to our organization.”

“Kyle is a tremendous part of what we’ve built here. We made a competitive offer because we believe in what he brings—not only at the plate, but also in the clubhouse, in October, and to the identity of this team. The ball is in his court now, and we respect that.” So, for now, Schwarber seems to be the franchise’s priority. And sure, other teams are fishing for him, but the Phillies have a weapon that could help lure Schwarber in. Meanwhile, if Realmuto does walk away, while the options are watered down, there is one player the Phillies might just target in the trade market.

Could the Philadelphia Phillies pull off the shock of the winter? 

If the Philadelphia Phillies really replace Realmuto, then it could be with a two-time all-star—that is what one baseball writer thinks. And here is the deal—he is not talking about a stopgap option, but one of the biggest names in the sport. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicted that the Philadelphia Phillies would make a blockbuster trade for Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman this winter.

Yes, the former No. 1 overall pick, college legend, and franchise cornerstone… or so we all thought. And on the surface, the idea feels too bold to be taken seriously. Plus, he still has two years left before he hits free agency.  Plus, players like him—Gold Glove caliber catchers—don’t fall into your lap either. But the Orioles’ situation has shifted a little, and given their top prospect, Samuel Basallo, signed an eight-year extension, and Rutchman is coming off a down year—with a .673 OPS in 90 games and two strained obliques—Baltimore might at least listen to the offers. 

See, Reuters’ logic seems simple: the Phillies don’t have an internal replacement if they move on from Realmuto. The free-agent market is not even good enough, and Danny Jansen and Victor Caratini are not just there yet—so that leaves the trade market, and where the Rutchman dream begins.

Sure, he might have had a down year, but his floor is higher than most catchers’. If the Phillies think they can unlock the version of him everyone saw in 2023, where he posted a 28 OPS+ and had complete control, this deal makes sense. But it won’t be cheap, maybe not even realistic. It would be headline-stealing for sure—but isn’t that what Dombrowski’s front office is known for?

Do you think this might come true?