The Boston Red Sox are pursuing one of the top hitters available on the market.
Boston made the playoffs last season and has a young core it can build around. Yet, the Red Sox are looking to add some more hitting to the lineup.
MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic report that the Red Sox are pursuing three-time All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto of the Philadelphia Phillies.
“The Boston Red Sox have not been shy in outlining their offseason wish list,” the article read. “They want to add a starting pitcher to slot behind ace left-hander Garrett Crochet in a postseason series. And they want to upgrade their offense, with the re-signing of free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman a primary goal.
“Acquiring another catcher is not among the Sox’s top priorities, or so it has seemed. But the Red Sox are showing interest in J.T. Realmuto, according to people briefed on their discussions. The usual caveats apply. It is early in free agency. Teams are touching base with a large number of players. The best guess with Realmuto is that he will still re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, his team since 2019.”
Realmuto finished his five-year, $115.5 million deal with the Phillies, and although he is 34, he is still an impact hitter. He’s a three-time MLB All-Star, two-time Gold Glove Award winner, and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
How Would Realmuto Fit in With the Red Sox?
If Boston pursues Realmuto, he would likely pair with Carlos Narváez to form a catching tandem, while Connor Wong could become expendable.
The Red Sox are looking to improve their roster at all costs, and the insiders believe Realmuto would be a good fit for Boston.
“Realmuto, No. 24 on The Athletic’s free-agent big board, would be more of a complementary player for the Red Sox as he enters his age-35 season, not the big bat they are seeking,” the insiders added. “Still, he could fit the team in several ways. As a right-handed hitter. As part of a tandem with catcher Carlos Narváez, who declined offensively in the final four months as he played through a knee injury.
“And as a clubhouse leader who would provide a strong veteran presence to a young position-player group, ideally in tandem with Bregman. The Red Sox on Thursday re-signed catcher Connor Wong to a one-year, $1.375 million deal before the arbitration deadline. Wong, 29, cratered offensively last season while improving defensively. Realmuto, who remains one of the game’s most athletic catchers, would be a clear, if not massive, improvement.”
Realmuto hit .257 with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs last season with the Phillies.
What is Realmuto Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Although Realmuto is 34 and will be 35 by Opening Day, he still will get a good payday.
MLBTradeRumors predicts Realmuto will land a two-year, $30 million deal in free agency.
“Teams preferring not to turn to the trade or non-tender market won’t have a more dependable option than Realmuto,” the article read. “He’s caught at least 99 games in every full season since 2015, rarely missing notable time on the injured list. A two-year deal here is likely, as the only recent three-year deal for a catcher aged-35 or older was Yadier Molina’s $60MM pact from way back in 2017.”
Realmuto played in 134 games last season.
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