T.J. Realmuto's tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies is good for only one season but most believe that contract extension talks will iron that out soon. Since being acquired last February from the Miami Marlins, all has been quiet on the next steps between both camps. However, negotiations have already started.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Realmuto and the Phillies have already held preliminary talks on a possible contract extension. However, some factors have suddenly come into play. That includes the status of the 2020 MLB season which is now ruffled by the coronavirus pandemic. Regardless, the lull is not expected to prevent both sides from discussing details of the contract - meaning something could get done soon.
There is no roster freeze in place, meaning players and teams can discuss long-term agreements. But the twist here is the coming MLB season. If the season is to be scrapped, the numbers or effectivity date of the contract are affected. Like any other team, the Phillies want to see first how well Realmuto would fit into their system before finalizing a long-term deal.
There is no question that Realmuto has proven himself as a player. In 2019, the proved to one and all why he is one of the best catchers in the league. He was the first catcher to 35+ doubles and 25+ home runs in a single season, not to mention owning a caught-stealing percentage of 46.7 percent - the highest for any Phillies catcher since Bob Boone in 1973.
For 2020, the 28-year-old is set to make $10 million. If Philadelphia fails to ink him to a new contract, Realmuto would be a high-profile player multiple MLB teams may go for. This is one scenario that the Phillies want to avoid and a reason why address Realmuto's contract situation must not be overlooked.
“We do not have clarity. There’s a possibility we will have to make some of those decisions this week,” general manager Matt Klentak said on the contract status of Realmuto.
Philadelphia will have lots of work to do with other players requiring new deals. The list includes Neil Walker, Logan Forsythe, and Anthony Swarzak, all of whom are expected to opt-out of their respective deals. With the COVID-19 wreaking havoc, even those could be put on hold for now.
The MLB has already canceled spring training and the opening day has been pushed by at least two weeks. The league will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation, prioritizing the health and safety of fans and players for now.
