We’re into January and J.T. Realmuto isn’t much closer to signing a free agent deal than he was in September. The New York Mets, who were arguably his best option, are out and as things stand, the Phillies are the clear-cut favorites to sign the best catcher in baseball.
The Phillies need Realmuto. There are no sufficient internal replacements and most of the external options available are more suitable for a platoon role.