Aside from what will happen with both Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suarez’s free agency sweepstakes, the Philadelphia Phillies also have a big decision to make regarding J.T. Realmuto and whether or not they will re-sign him.
Realmuto has already fielded some interest from some teams across MLB, like the Red Sox and Pirates, and it’s unclear if the Phillies’ front office is prioritizing his signing. If they lose J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia will have to replace his production in some way, and a recent trade idea has the Phillies acquiring Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers.
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Philles Trade Idea Lands Catcher Ryan Jeffers
The Phillies are another MLB team that is expected to be active this season, or at least make a few really notable moves to help improve their roster headed into the 2026 season.
While it may not be as high-profile of a move, the Philadelphia Phillies are being linked to trading for catcher Ryan Jeffers, as Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter indicates in a recent “fresh trade ideas” piece:
“To PHI: C Ryan Jeffers
To MIN: LHP Mavis Graves, 3B Carson DeMartini”
“The 28-year-old (Jeffers) has a 113 OPS-plus in 1,264 plate appearances over the past three years, with a .356 on-base percentage and 10.8 percent walk rate helping to pump up his offensive value this past season.”
GettyRyan Jeffers crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Minnesota Twins went full-blown fire sale back in July, and the expectation is that they may be doing the same thing again this offseason. In addition to Ryan Jeffers, Minnesota may also be open to trading Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton.
Jeffers has spent all six seasons of his MLB career with the Twins and hit 21 home runs back in 2024. 2025 was the first time in nine seasons that Realmuto did not post an OPS+ over 100. Jeffers has reached that mark in each of the past three seasons, which is more than ideal for a catcher.
How Does this Trade Idea Impact Philadelphia?
J.T. Realmuto has been stellar in a Phillies uniform since coming over from Miami before the 2019 season, and has been named to the All-Star team twice since then. However, a change of scenery might be necessary for both sides, as Realmuto is about to enter his age-35 season.
Ryan Jeffers is just 28 years old and will become a free agent after the 2026 season.
According to BaseballReference.com, Ryan Jeffers is projected to hit .252 with 16 home runs and drive in 57 runs in 2026.
This trade idea would also mean that the Phillies do not sign J.T. Realmuto, which could give the front office more leeway to sign both Schwarber and Ranger Suarez.
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