By Zach PressnellShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Philadelphia Phillies need to make some big moves this offseason in order to get over the hump and get back to the World Series.
But they're backed against the wall right now. Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suárez, and JT Realmuto are all free agents. Schwarber is seemingly the team's top priority while they already have a replacement for Suárez in place. As a result, Realmuto could be the hardest free agent to replace.
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter recently projected the Phillies would acquire Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers in a huge offseason trade that sends pitcher Mavis Graves and infielder Carson DeMartini back to the Twins.
..."The Phillies will either need to re-sign J.T. Realmuto, or find a veteran replacement outside of the organization, as there is no in-house candidate to step into the starting catcher role in 2026," Reuter wrote. "After their trade deadline fire sale, the Twins have to be viewed as open for business, and while Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton are the trade chips most frequently mentioned in speculative deals, catcher Ryan Jeffers would also be a useful piece for a contender in need of catching help."
This winter, the Phillies need to either re-sign or replace Realmuto.
It would likely be the best-case scenario for the Phillies to re-sign Realmuto, but if they can't get a deal done, a trade for Jeffers makes perfect sense.
Jeffers put together a solid season this year. He's routinely posted an OPS+ over 100 despite playing the defensive first position of catcher. Having an above-average hitter at catcher is a huge bonus for any team. The Phillies would greatly benefit from adding Jeffers if Realmuto walks.
More MLB: Yankees Projected To Sign Ace To 6-Year, $114 Million Deal After ALDS Exit
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