The problems behind the plate for the Philadelphia Phillies seem to be never-ending. They have still not signed JT Realmuto, and that re-signing looks like it is inevitable. But with the time that is taking, it is starting to raise some doubts, and that is where the trade market comes into play.

“Re-signing JT Realmuto looked like a no-brainer… but the longer things stretch… the more likely it is he winds up elsewhere,” said Bleacher Report. “That would leave Victor Caratini… on the trade market as the top options to replace him behind the plate.”

Philadelphia entered the offseason prioritizing JT Realmuto, yet negotiations stalled despite a reported multi-year offer. The delay reflects disagreement on contract value, with Philadelphia believed to be offering 2 years around $30–35 million. Realmuto’s decision matters because he logged 2.5 WAR across 134 games during the 2025 regular season.

That production explains why fans remain anxious as talks linger without clear movement from the sides.

If Realmuto departs, Philadelphia’s best free-agent alternative is Victor Caratini, especially after Danny Jansen signed.

Caratini posted a .259 average with 12 home runs and a .728 OPS in 2025. His overall value reached 0.9 WAR across 114 games, reflecting solid offense but a lesser impact. Plate-discipline metrics supported that profile, with Caratini ranking top-quarter in chase, whiff, and strikeout rates.

Replacing JT Realmuto with Caratini represents a clear downgrade, considering Realmuto matched home runs with a higher WAR. Still, Caratini’s projected 2-year, $25 million contract preserves payroll flexibility for pitching and outfield needs. Philadelphia can pair him with Rafael Marchán, avoiding long-term risk while maintaining competent catcher’s production.

It is a compromise path, trading star certainty for depth stability as the competitive window tightens.

Philadelphia cannot keep pretending the catcher dilemma solves itself while JT Realmuto waits patiently. Every passing week nudges Dave Dombrowski closer toward choosing Victor Caratini over familiar comfort. That choice would not inspire cheers, but it would finally force the Philadelphia Phillies forward.

With every passing day, JT Realmuto to the Padres is getting closer

This has stopped feeling like a waiting game and started looking like a slow, deliberate pivot. The silence, the leaks, the alternative plans, it all tells the same story. While the Phillies hesitate and hedge, momentum is drifting west. At some point, patience becomes a decision, and JT Realmuto, the Padres, and Philadelphia are all reading the room.

San Diego’s interest in JT Realmuto starts with a clear catching void impacting pitching stability. Realmuto produced a .257 average with 12 homers and 2.1 fWAR in the 2025 season overall. Those numbers explain why San Diego sees reliability behind the plate without offensive collapse concerns.

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His defensive reputation and experience managing staff directly address the Padres’ weaknesses exposed during last postseason run.

That roster need connects cleanly to a projected contract near $34 million, per industry estimates. For San Diego, that figure fits payroll limits while upgrading catcher production using recent performance. Philadelphia risks losing a steady contributor, while San Diego gains measurable value without long-term commitment.

If completed, the deal reflects calculated roster management driven by stats, finances, and competitive positioning.

At this stage, indecision belongs to Philadelphia, while clarity quietly belongs to San Diego. JT Realmuto is not chasing noise; he is following need, leverage, and timing now. The Padres are moving with intent, and the Phillies are learning that waiting decides things.