Phillies Trade Idea Lands Orioles’ 2X All-Star as J.T. Realmuto’s Replacement

The Philadelphia Phillies have several key decisions this offseason. It starts at the top with the designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, for whom the Phillies are expected to re-sign the star slugger, but it will come at a cost. Other free agents include Ranger Suarez, J.T. Realmuto, and Harrison Bader.

Philadelphia’s top priority will be resigning Schwarber and Suarez, but if they are unable to retain J.T. Realmuto in free agency, there will be a massive hole at the catcher position. However, the Phillies have been rumored to be a possible trade destination for a high-profile catcher on the Baltimore Orioles to serve as the new backstop.

Phillies Linked to Adley Rutschman in Blockbuster Trade Idea

How crazy is it that the Baltimore Orioles may be considering trading former No.1 overall draft pick Adley Rutschman? When you consider all things, honestly, it’s not that crazy of an idea. The Orioles decided to extend their top prospect, Samuel Basallo, this season before he even had 10 MLB games under his belt, and Adley Rutschman is still waiting to get a contract extension.

In a recent bold predictions piece by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, the BR writer believes Adley could be on the move, to the Philadelphia Phillies, as J.T. Realmuto’s replacement:

“A retooling could be in order for the Orioles following a disappointing season, and swinging a deal for Rutschman would line up with Philadelphia’s rapidly closing window of contention. He could fill the void behind the plate for the next two seasons, then if the aging roster needs to be revamped, he would be off the books.”

There’s no doubt Adley has declined in recent seasons, especially with the bat, but he’s also dealt with a slew of injuries. In 2025, he had career lows in almost every single major hitting category. However, the two-time All-Star may just need a change of scenery, and placing him in a lineup filled with stars could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

J.T. Realmuto’s Production Has Also Declined

J.T. Realmuto has had a great career, but he is also an aging catcher who saw a dip in production this year. In 134 games this season, Realmuto hit 12 home runs, drove in 52 runs, and posted an OPS+ of 90 (below-average). Before 2025, he had nine straight seasons of an OPS+ above 100. But he is entering his age-35 season, and his prime has certainly passed. If this is the end of his time with the Phillies, Realmuto will surely be remembered. In seven seasons with Philly, he smashed 165 home runs and hit .265, which are both impressive marks for a catcher.

A deal like this makes sense if the Phillies’ front office is willing to give the Orioles a top prospect or two. They have plenty, and Dave Dombrowski showed no hesitancy at the MLB trade deadline to offload those prospects if it means immediately improving the roster.

Adley Rutschman was once thought to be a pillar of the Orioles organization for years to come, but with his free agency at the end of 2027, and no deal being worked out, there are question marks surrounding how long his tenure in Baltimore will be.

More MLB news on Heavy:

• Phillies Trade Proposal Lands Angels’ 37 Home Run Outfielder

• Bold Prediction Has Giants Landing Twins’ 3.42 ERA Starter

• Cody Bellinger Receives Massive $175 Million Contract in Recent Prediction

 

 

 

 

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