MLB insider Mark Feinsand, in his article “Who will drive the free-agent market? Top 30 names to eye,” listed the Minnesota Twins as a possible destination for three-time Silver Slugger Award winner J.T. Realmuto, who just completed a five-year, $115.5 million extension with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Now 35, Realmuto has seen his offensive numbers dip in recent seasons and has had some issues with framing and blocking, but he remains one of the league’s best at controlling the running game—ranking in the 95th percentile in caught-stealing above average and 99th percentile in pop time for 2025.
While his days of posting a 130 OPS+ like he did in 2022 may be behind him, Realmuto was still an above-average performer last season, producing 2.1 fWAR and 2.6 bWAR.
With Ryan Jeffers set to hit free agency after 2026 and Christian Vázquez already on the open market, adding Realmuto on a two- or three-year deal could make sense for Minnesota, especially given the team’s need for veteran leadership.
The Twins also have top catching prospect Eduardo Tait—acquired from the Phillies along with Mick Abel in the Jhoan Durán trade on July 30—but he likely won’t reach the majors for another couple of years. Signing Realmuto would give the Twins stability behind the plate until Tait is ready.
Once considered one of baseball’s premier catchers, Realmuto debuted with the Miami Marlins in 2014 and played five seasons there, batting .279/.327/.442 (110 OPS+) with 59 home runs in 2,152 plate appearances.
After being traded to the Phillies in February 2019, he spent seven seasons in Philadelphia, where he hit .265/.328/.450 (110 OPS+) with 121 homers over 3,390 plate appearances. Across his 12-year career, Realmuto has accumulated 38.8 bWAR and 36.7 fWAR. Although a Hall of Fame induction remains unlikely, a strong finish to his career could keep the door open for consideration.
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