The Philadelphia Phillies alternative catching options to re-signing J.T. Realmuto are not the greatest. There is not much depth at the catching position across MLB right now. Realmuto re-signing with the Phillies is extremely important as a result. According to a report from Jeff Passan of ESPN it is expected to ask for a contract longer than two years. Passan also noted that this could expand the amount of potential suitors Realmuto has. Realmuto is entering his age-35 season in 2026. Additionally, the Phillies trading Eduardo Tait at the trade deadline leaves them with no long-term catcher of the future. Victor Caritini, Mitch Garver and Danny Jansen are the other top free agent catchers available. None of those players are great alternatives to Realmuto.
Phillies Catching Options If They Need To Go In A Different Direction
Jonah Heim (Texas Rangers)
Heim could be traded by the Rangers ahead of the non-tender deadline on November 21 according to Passan. The 2026 season will be the age-31 season for Heim who is under team control through next year. Heim had a .213/.271/.332 line with 11 home runs and 43 RBI in 124 games this season. To add to that Heim recorded a 69 wRC+ and a .243 BABIP with a 0.36 BB/K rate. While Heim is not the greatest at the plate, he has been a good defensive catcher most of his career. However, Heim struggled behind the plate in 2025 recording a career worst -7 DRS/-3 OAA. Trading for Heim and in the process taking a flyer on him would be a low cost move for the Phillies. Additionally, the team would have to believe Heim can bounce back in 2026.
Ryan Jeffers (Minnesota Twins)
If the Twins continue to tear down their roster Jeffers could be on the move this offseason. Jeffers is entering his age-29 season and is under team control through 2026. In 2025 Jeffers had a .266/.356/.397 line with nine home runs and 47 RBI in 119 games. To add Jeffers recorded a 113 wRC+ and a .322 BABIP with a career best 0.55 BB/K rate. Jeffers had a career low 19.6% strikeout rate and a career best 10.8% walk rate this season. One concern with Jeffers is his defense behind the plate. In 2025 Jeffers recorded a -10 DRS/-5 FRV season. This is the worst DRS total Jeffers has had and the third worst FRV total. The Phillies would have to give up slightly more to trade for Jeffers though. Jeffers is probably the best trade option for the Phillies.
Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles)
There is an expectation that Rutschman will be traded by the Orioles this offseason. The team gave an extension to top catching prospect Samuel Basallo during the season. Rutschman is entering his age-28 season and is under team control through the 2027 season. This seasonRutschman had a .220/.307/.366 line with nine home runs and 29 RBI in 90 games. Rutschman recorded a 91 wRC+ as well as a .240 BABIP and a 0.70 BB/K rate. Across the board Rutschman had a career worst year offensively but also recorded a career low game played total due to injuries. Rutschman had a 10 DRS/2 FRV season defensively. Of the players on this list Rutschman has the highest trade value. This would cost the Phillies more prospect capital than they may want to trade.
Main Photo Credits: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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