J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies
Phillies Exploring Options to Keep J.T. Realmuto Healthy for 2025 Season
With spring training in full swing, the Philadelphia Phillies are making strategic adjustments to ensure they remain competitive throughout the grueling 162-game season. After finishing atop the National League East in 2024, the Phillies fell short in the NL Divisional Series against the New York Mets, a disappointment they hope to avoid this year.
The road to another division title won’t be easy. The Mets have reloaded with major acquisitions, while the Atlanta Braves are set to welcome back Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider from injury. For Philadelphia to repeat as division champs, staying healthy will be a top priority.
Realmuto’s Role in 2025
One of the biggest concerns for the Phillies is the health of star catcher J.T. Realmuto. The 11-year veteran has been one of the league’s premier backstops, earning three Silver Slugger Awards, three All-Star appearances, and two Gold Gloves over his career. However, injuries took a toll on him last season, limiting him to just 99 games due to a knee issue.
To maximize his availability, the Phillies are exploring ways to reduce the physical toll on their veteran catcher. Manager Rob Thomson recently floated an interesting idea: giving Realmuto reps in the outfield.
“Yeah, maybe play a position,” Thomson told On Pattison’s Tim Kelly. “I’ve talked to him about maybe taking some fly balls in the outfield because he’s really athletic and see how he is with that. So, you know, we’re gonna just try some different things.”
A Shift to the Outfield?
While it may seem unconventional, transitioning Realmuto to the outfield in certain games could help preserve his legs and keep his bat in the lineup. However, the Phillies have to balance this move carefully. Sluggers like Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos also require at-bats as designated hitters, limiting flexibility in the lineup.
Thomson emphasized that any outfield experiments will start in spring training workouts rather than in actual games, allowing the team to evaluate Realmuto’s potential in a new position before making a commitment.
The Importance of Keeping Realmuto in the Lineup
Even in a shortened season, Realmuto produced a 3.0 bWAR in 99 games last year, reinforcing his importance to Philadelphia’s success. Keeping him healthy and available for the bulk of the season will be crucial as the Phillies look to fend off their division rivals and make another deep postseason run.
Whether or not Realmuto sees game action in the outfield remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Phillies are willing to get creative in keeping one of their most valuable players fresh for the long haul.
