The decision is in.
According to a report from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Phillies have won their arbitration case against star catcher J.T. Realmuto. The 28-year-old, who had hoped to receive $12.4 million in 2019, is now set to make $10 million in what is currently his final year before hitting free agency.
The Phillies acquired Realmuto last offseason in a trade that sent Jorge Alfaro and top prospect Sixto Sanchez to the Miami Marlins. It was a steep price to pay for two years of control, but Realmuto cemented his place as the best catcher in baseball with a brilliant offensive and defensive showing in 2019.
Realmuto led all Major League catchers in games, hits, extra-base hits, runs and RBIs last season behind a red-hot second half at the plate. Additionally, he threw out a league high 47% of baserunners who attempted to steal against him and improved his framing to become one of the premiere defensive catchers in baseball.
The next step for the Phillies will be to try to sign an extension with Realmuto. He has indicated since the end of 2019 that he intends to sign an extension and avoid free agency, and his thoughts on that haven’t changed
even after being forced into arbitration with the Phillies.MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION
- Matt Klentak: It’s Time To Play In October
- 34 Numbers To Remember: Roy Halladay’s Incredible Career
- Joe Girardi Hopes That David Robertson Will Pitch In 2020
- Seranthony Dominguez: ‘I Want To Be Ready For Opening Day’
- Bryce Harper Gives Nuanced Take On Potentially Trading For Kris Bryant
- Andy MacPhail Hopes Phillies Will Exceed Luxury Tax In 2020
- Phillies Nation Roundtable: Bold Predictions For 2020
- Matt Klentak Says Odubel Herrera Will Have To Earn Any Future Opportunities
- The Phillies Path To One Of The Wild Cards Won’t Be Easy Either
- PECOTA Predicts Phillies Will Finish With Losing Record
