MLB insider Mark Feinsand links Twins to Phillies free agent catcher J.T. Realmuto
MLB insider Mark Feinsand wrote an article titled "Who will drive the free-agent market? Top 30 names to eye," and named the Minnesota Twins as a potential fit for three-time Silver Slugger Award-winning catcher J.T. Realmuto, who just finished a five-year, $115.5 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Realmuto, 35, has declined offensively over the past few seasons and struggles with framing and blocking, but is still elite at limiting stolen bases, ranking in the 95th percentile in caught-stealing above average and 99th percentile in pop time in 2025.
Although Realmuto may not possess the ability to hit as well as he did when he posted a 130 OPS+ in 2022, he was still an above-average player last season, worth 2.1 fWAR and 2.6 bWAR. With Ryan Jeffers set to be a free agent after next season and Christian Vázquez already on the free agent market, signing Realmuto for two or three years would be beneficial for the Twins, a team that desperately needs another clubhouse leader. Minnesota has high hopes for catching prospect Eduardo Tait, whom the Twins acquired from the Phillies along with Mick Abel in exchange for star closer Jhoan Durán on July 30, but he likely won't be ready for the big leagues for at least two more seasons. Signing Realmuto would ensure the Twins are set at the catching position until their prized prospect is ready to make his MLB debut.
Realmuto was viewed as one of the game's best catchers for a long time. The 35-year-old backstop made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2014. He played five seasons with Miami, hitting .279/.327/.442 (110 OPS+) with 59 home runs in 2152 plate appearances. Then, the Marlins traded Realmuto to the Phillies in Feb. 2019. In seven seasons with Philadelphia, Realmuto has hit .265/.328/.450 (110 OPS+) with 121 home runs in 3390 plate appearances. Overall, Realmuto has been worth 38.8 bWAR and 36.7 fWAR during his 12-year MLB career. Making the Hall of Fame is a long shot for Realmuto, but if he finishes his career strongly, he may have a case.