Setting the Stage for a Critical Conversation
In the serene spring atmosphere of Clearwater, Florida, Phillies manager Rob Thomson finally sat down with J.T. Realmuto for a crucial conversation. The topic: how to best preserve Realmuto’s body and performance for the upcoming season. Thomson had hinted at the difficulty of this talk throughout the offseason, emphasizing the need for the right timing and approach. The plan is clear: to reduce the number of games Realmuto catches behind the plate. This strategy, however, is a delicate balance. Realmuto, known for his lead-by-example mentality and reluctance to come out of games, understands the importance of rest but remains committed to doing whatever it takes to help the team win. “At the end of the day, it’s just going to come down to Rob and I communicating,” he said. “I have to be honest with him about how I’m feeling to try to keep me as healthy as possible for the long haul.”
Reflecting on Past Performance and Injuries
The decision to reduce Realmuto’s catching load isn’t arbitrary. Excluding the shortened 2020 season, he has consistently started over 100 games behind the plate, with a high of 130 games in previous seasons. However, last year, his playing time dropped to 99 starts due to a meniscus injury in June. The injury, which wasn’t related to catching but occurred while rounding second base, forced him to miss about six weeks. Despite the setback, Realmuto managed to maintain a similar offensive output to the previous year, though his baserunning was noticeably affected. He stole only two bases compared to 37 in the prior two years, and his ability to take the extra base on hits declined from 52% to 36%. “More on the basepaths than anything. I wasn’t able to be as explosive as I would like to have been,” Realmuto reflected. “I definitely feel better now than I did last year so we’re in a good spot.”
Navigating Contract Considerations
Another layer of complexity in this plan is Realmuto’s contract status. He is set to become a free agent after the season, and the Phillies are mindful of how playing fewer games might affect his market value. A significant reduction in playing time, such as to 90 or 100 games, could impact his free agency prospects. To mitigate this, the team plans to utilize Realmuto in other roles on days when he’s not catching. One idea Thomson floated is using him as the designated hitter and moving Kyle Schwarber to left field, especially since both players are in contract years. Additionally, Realmuto has expressed comfort at first base, where he has played 263 innings in his major-league career. Thomson’s creative thinking extends to the outfield, where he suggested Realmuto might try his hand at left field. “We were having the discussion of trying to manage his workload as best we can, and at the same time having respect for the fact that this is a contract year for him, and we’re very left-handed so we want as many right-handers in the lineup as we can,” Thomson explained.
Realmuto’s Openness to New Roles
The idea of playing left field caught Realmuto off guard, but he’s always been open to new challenges. “Like he said, I think it was just an idea but at the end of the day, I’ll do whatever it takes for this team to win. If he wants me to go out there and stand on my head, I’ll try to do that,” Realmuto joked. While he expects to shag some flyballs during spring training, he’s uncertain if he will actually play left field in a game. His primary focus remains on winning, which has led him to be more open to discussions about an extension with the Phillies this spring. “I want to win. At the end of the day, if the Phillies win and we have a good season, the contract stuff is going to take care of itself,” he said. “It’s crazy how fast these last five years have gone by. We’re all aware of Father Time so we know we don’t have unlimited time together to get the job done.”
The Future of the Phillies’ Catching Depth
With Realmuto potentially catching fewer games, the Phillies are looking at their catching depth to ensure they have a reliable backup. Rafael Marchan, who is out of options, is a strong candidate for the Opening Day roster. Marchan, finally healthy, has impressed the Phillies with his defense and has shown surprising offensive potential in a small sample in the majors. Whether it’s Marchan or Garrett Stubbs, the plan is to have a capable backup who can step in when needed. Despite this, Realmuto is confident that he will catch every inning of every playoff game, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s success. “Every year that passes, obviously we want to win the World Series so the longer it takes, the less chance we have to get it done. There’s certainly a little bit of urgency to make that happen together because we all get along well and we like each other so we’d rather win together,” Realmuto concluded.
A Unified Front for the 2023 Season
The Phillies are determined to leverage Realmuto’s versatility and experience as they aim for a championship run. Thomson’s innovative approach to managing Realmuto’s workload, while respecting his contract year and physical health, underscores the team’s commitment to both short-term and long-term success. Realmuto’s willingness to adapt and his focus on team success sets a strong example for the entire roster. As the Phillies embark on the 2023 season, the synergy between management and players, particularly Realmuto, will be crucial in their quest to bring home a World Series title.
