The Philadelphia Phillies recently secured J.T. Realmuto with a $45 million, three-year contract, a move that sparked intense criticism as fans struggled to process the offseason decisions. After losing out on Bo Bichette to the New York Mets, the Phillies doubled down on Realmuto despite his approaching 35th birthday and declining offensive numbers, fueling controversy over the value of the deal.
MLB Network’s Latest Catcher Rankings Exclude Realmuto Despite Big Contract
MLB Network’s updated rankings for the Top 10 catchers ahead of the 2026 season notably left J.T. Realmuto off the list, underscoring doubts about his current standing among baseball’s elite. This list is led by Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh, followed by Milwaukee Brewers’ William Contreras at number two and Los Angeles Dodgers’ Will Smith rounding out the top three. Realmuto, who was MLB Network’s top catcher from 2021 to 2023, has dropped significantly in perception.
His absence from this prestigious group signals a shift as Realmuto no longer retains the dominant status he once held. Fans and analysts alike see this as confirmation that his peak years may be behind him.
Realmuto’s Defensive Skills Stand Out Despite Offensive Decline
While Realmuto’s offensive output has faltered, his defensive attributes remain a key asset for the Phillies. He still boasts one of the fastest pop times to second base, reflecting his arm strength and quick release on attempted stolen bases. However, his blocking and framing skills have declined, areas that traditionally contribute to catcher defensive evaluations.
The Phillies emphasize Realmuto’s value in guiding their pitching staff and managing games, an impact not easily measured in statistics but highly regarded internally. However, fans tend to focus more on visible statistics like batting performance, where Realmuto’s recent numbers have fallen short of expectations.
Offensive Struggles Undermine Realmuto’s Market Value
In the 2025 season, Realmuto hit just .257 with a .700 OPS and added only 12 home runs and 52 RBIs across 134 games. This represents a significant drop from his standout 2021 season, where he was an All-Star, and his 2022 campaign, which earned him both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger while finishing seventh in the National League MVP voting.
From 2023 to 2025, Realmuto’s overall batting average remained steady at .257 with an OPS of .736, ranking 13th among qualified catchers. His 6.1 fWAR over these seasons also places him outside the top tier, highlighting a clear decline in offensive effectiveness.
Performance Bonuses Could Offset Cost if Realmuto Performs
Realmuto’s base salary of $15 million per year could rise to $20 million if he meets certain performance incentives. These bonuses include $2 million for a fan All-Star bid, $1 million for a league All-Star selection, $1 million for a Gold Glove, $1 million for a Silver Slugger, and $2 million for finishing in the top 10 of NL MVP voting.
Should Realmuto achieve any combination of these milestones, the Phillies’ investment would appear more justified, potentially restoring fan confidence and forcing MLB Network to reconsider his ranking next season.
“Here is how The Shredder lined up the #Top10RightNow behind the plate! ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/QC0lc3jHJF”
— MLB Network
Implications for the Phillies and Realmuto’s Role Moving Forward
The backlash surrounding Realmuto’s contract reflects a broader tension between team management decisions and fan expectations. The Phillies’ decision to prioritize Realmuto’s leadership and defensive skills over pursuing younger offensive talents like Bo Bichette shows their faith in his intangible contributions.
However, unless Realmuto regains at least some of his former offensive production, the perception of his contract as an overpayment is likely to linger. His performance in the upcoming seasons will be critical not only for the Phillies’ success but also for how the narrative around his value evolves within MLB circles and among the fanbase.
The top-ranked backstops entering each of the last 5 years 💪
Will there be a new No. 1 this year? Find out tonight at 8 PM ET as @MLBNetwork’s Top 10 Right Now rolls on! pic.twitter.com/LZFAKU1RSv
— MLB (@MLB) February 2, 2026
Here is how The Shredder lined up the #Top10RightNow behind the plate! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/QC0lc3jHJF
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 3, 2026
