After missing out on Bichette, the Phillies quickly re-signed Realmuto to a three-year deal, securing their primary catcher position.

The Phillies' offseason reinforcement plan is nearly finalized. According to MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand, the team reached a three-year, $45 million agreement today with catcher J.T. Realmuto (with reported annual incentives up to $5 million), though the team has yet to officially confirm the deal.

However, this signing followed an unexpected turn as the Phillies’ key target, Bo Bichette, ultimately signed a three-year, $126 million contract with division rival New York Mets. Since negotiations with Realmuto had stalled, the Phillies intensified their pursuit of Bichette over the past ten days. Sources revealed the Phillies had offered Bichette a seven-year, $200 million deal, and some insiders believed a deal was close, but it did not materialize.

With Bichette choosing the Mets, the deadlock between the Phillies and Realmuto quickly resolved. For Realmuto, who will turn 35 in March, the new contract’s average annual value is lower than his recently concluded five-year, $115.5 million deal (averaging $23.1 million per year), which is understandable.

Despite a complicated process, the Phillies have now retained two of their three major free agents this winter. From the start of the offseason, the team’s top priorities were Kyle Schwarber (who re-signed in December for five years, $150 million) and Realmuto. Although the Phillies hoped to keep starting left-hander Ranger Suárez, he signed a five-year, $130 million deal with the Boston Red Sox two days ago, which was always considered unlikely.

Suárez’s departure triggered a flurry in the free agent market, followed by Kyle Tucker joining the Los Angeles Dodgers on a four-year, $240 million contract. After Tucker’s signing was confirmed, Bichette’s quick deal was not surprising. Industry insiders and Phillies personnel had been optimistic about signing the star infielder, but the Mets ultimately offered a more flexible short-term contract that was hard for the player to refuse.

For the Phillies, signing both Bichette and Realmuto simultaneously was unrealistic. Had they succeeded in acquiring Bichette, it would have closed the door on Realmuto’s return and possibly triggered a chain reaction—likely requiring the team to trade existing starting infielders (such as third baseman Alec Bohm) to free up roster space.

While re-signing Realmuto doesn’t provide the offensive firepower Bichette offers, it directly strengthens the team’s star-studded pitching staff. Without Realmuto’s return, the Phillies would have to rely on Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs behind the plate or seek replacements from an extremely limited external market. Now, the three-time All-Star Realmuto will continue to command the area behind home plate.

Despite an offensive slump last season, Realmuto remains one of the league’s top defensive catchers. His durability and consistency lead the league, having caught 6,699.2 innings since joining the Phillies in 2019—1,183.1 innings more than any other catcher in the same period.

With today’s swift progress, the Phillies’ 2026 roster is becoming clearer. Realmuto will remain at catcher, while the infield is expected to retain last season’s structure: Bryce Harper at first base, Bryson Stott at second, Trea Turner at shortstop, and Bohm at third. The starting rotation, after losing Suárez, will be supported by Zack Wheeler (returning from injury), Cristopher Sánchez, Aaron Nola, Jesús Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, and top prospect Andrew Painter.

The bullpen, led by closer Jhoan Durán, has been strengthened, while the outfield will see the most changes compared to 2025. Adolis García, signed in December for $10 million for one year, will anchor right field, and top prospect Justin Crawford is expected to compete for a regular spot in center field. Left field might feature a mix of Brandon Marsh and a right-handed hitter (possibly Otto Kemp), unless the team makes further moves in the next two months.

Veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos’ departure is now certain. Both sides agree a change of scenery is needed for the 2026 season, but the Phillies have yet to find a suitable trade partner. The team could outright release the remaining $20 million on his contract, but it is more likely they will wait until free agent outfielders like Austin Hays and Harrison Bader sign elsewhere before seeking a trade partner willing to share salary responsibilities.

The Phillies may also consider other free agent outfielders such as Randal Grichuk, Starling Marte, or Austin Slater—right-handed hitters who could serve as complementary options alongside Brandon Marsh in left field. After securing Realmuto’s signing, the team’s remaining offseason moves are expected to be minor adjustments.