If you ask Phillies star Bryce Harper, the team needs to do what it takes to retain backstop J.T. Realmuto. Harper discussed that important contractual situation and other topics in a recent chat with Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
It’s debatable how best to interpret Harper’s comments — prediction or exhortation, or both — but not his underlying desire to see Realmuto stay with him in Philly. Harper lavished praise on Realmuto, saying: “I think the Phillies organization absolutely loves J.T. and our team absolutely loves him as well.”
Harper obviously isn’t negotiating contracts, but with twelve seasons left on his own monumental deal his opinion holds greater weight than those of your average veteran star. He says of Realmuto: “Us as an organization, we have to understand that he’s going to help us in the years to come and if you want the best catcher in baseball then we’ll make that happen.”
“I don’t think anybody should fear us not getting J.T. back,” Harper continued. “I want him more than anything, so I mean it’s something we need to make happen as an organization.”
That’s shy of a promise but something more than a mere expression of personal preferences. Harper did go on to say that the club will “hopefully” find a way to keep Realmuto around, and there’s no particular reason to believe he’s operating on inside information here, but it’s rather interesting to see how strongly he phrased things.
When last we looked, the Phillies and Realmuto had paused their discussions on a pre-season extension. Not long after, a leaguewide moratorium on contract discussions went into effect. Realmuto has reportedly sought a monster contract that would approach or even exceed the record catching deal of Buster Posey.
It’s fair to wonder whether the suspension of the 2020 season will have an impact on negotiations if and when they resume. Realmuto will certainly not have an opportunity at a typical platform year. And it’s anyone’s guess at this point how the 2020-21 free agent market will function.
Bryce, please save the day.
who cares what he thinks. maybe he can subsidize their salaries with his own. overpaid bum
Wow. What did he do to you?
Von, look at 8man’s name. Let it sink in. Then, let me ask you: do you really even care what he thinks? Seriously?
Yes he does. Problem solved.
I only care what you think, WereAllJustGuestsHere. You’re my favorite.
I thought I was your favorite. (*_^)
Haha. Close 2nd.
Harpers contract is not bad at all for the amount superstars are starting to get paid. 25 million AAV is more than resonable but logic doesn’t suit you.
If Harper’s contract is not that bad at $330m, what would you call Acuna’s contract at $100, whose a better player?
First of all, Acuna is better and Acuna’s contract is currently better for the Braves. No denying that. I won’t even debate that. But you can’t just look at Harper’s total contract value and judge it like that. 25 mil AAV isn’t insane for Harper’s talent. Quite a few players made more than Harper last year, including Yoenis Cespedes who never had an AB. So yes. Philly paid a lot for Harper, but it isn’t as outlandish as some people make it seem.
You can’t just look at AAV. The contract length should also be considered. This is a 330 million dollar deal. If it was a 10 year contract at 25 million per year, I think you would have a strong case. The contract was stretched to lower the avarage.
Acuna would still be a pre arb player. Harper was a free agent
That’s a very fair point, but I think the extra years added to stretch out the AAV was actually smart. I do think the Phillies will be overpaying for Harper for the last 3 years or so, but I think that’s common of almost any major league talent in his final seasons.
I mean… any player would day that.
Would rather give JT some more AVV for less years than be stuck with no NL DH, 1B blocked, and a catcher age 33 and beyond making 25m per. The scouting and MiLB goal between now and the end of any extension should be developing a catcher. And firing whomever keeps giving Jason Knapp money.
I’ve read that MLB finances for 20-21 and 21-22 will be brutal and FA’s will feel the pinch.. Realmuto should take the deal the Phillies offer as long as it’s not an insult… A Posey deal isn’t in the cards for two-three years..
Phillies aren’t allowed to offer anything right now. Transactions are frozen.
I love JT, he’s a great catcher and fine hitter. That being said, the extension will cover his age 30+ years. The Phillies overplayed him last year (145 games) – not good. Last year was also his 5th consecutive year of 125+ games. If you look at the history of catching careers, I’d anticipate 2 to 3 years of above average production, followed by 2 years average production – assuming proper rest and no major injuries.
Would you overplay arguably the best catcher in baseball as a (hopeful) fringe playoff team with your next best option being Andrew Knapp (no offense)? I sure would.
Completely agree. The Phillies window to win is now. They’re only a fringe playoff team, but these are the best years you’re going to get from your top talent. Overpay for Realmuto for a shot at the playoffs. It’s a gamble, but Philly is a big market, Realmuto and Harper will put butts in seats…assuming fans are ever allowed in stadiums again.
How many times do these contracts not work out before everyone realizes? Great player but he is not going to produce what he is asking on the downside of his career
There are few greater sounds in the world than of the Philly fanbase when it realizes they’ve been had years too late and are stuck with an albatross contract and are now left to boo and whine about it.
See: Ryan Howard
Worth it. Ryan Howard was overpaid, but the Phils went to the playoffs from 2007-2011. They were stuck with an aging Howard for years after that, but I was okay with it. Those were the best years in franchise history and Howard was a big part of it. I’d overpay for Realmuto now for a shot at 3 or 4 playoff runs.
Bryce wanted the Nationals trade for JT multiple times according to all reports. He put the Nationals hat on JT at the all star game in DC. Not shocked at all that he wants the Phillies to sign him long term.
Bryce Harper is an overrated A hole who needs to STFU and play baseball. He is not worth the contract and eventually it will be an albatross of a contract just like Ryan Howard. Sure he hit a lot of home runs last year, but any good hitter could in that band box of a stadium for a fraction of the cost. His team mates in Washington could not stand because he is a me first jerk and the only reason he sogned in Philly was because no one else was going to dole out that mich. He went to the highest bidder and Philly was not even his first or second choice. Also Bryce it is We as an organization not US. How did getting Trout to Philly work out for you? LMAO
Clown comment
maybe If you put a second shoe on you might not be that jealous…
Of what exactly? I”m glad he is not on my team.
What a dumb comment.
Harper is fussy about his hair, shopping for clothes is a major hobby, is an arrogant jerk, teammates don’t like him. I can’t root for this turd. The Philly fans will put him in his place if he doesn’t take them anywhere. The last few years of his deal could be really ugly in Philadelphia for him and the fans. I mean really, how many real men love to shop for clothes? Really?
Prove any one of these nonsense comments. It’s funny how people just believe something because they want it to be true.
It is true. Whether you want to believe or not. There were only about 3 teams interested in him In FA. That’s why he did not sign with the Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees or Bo Sox. Tbey were all like no thanks. Even the Nata moved on. But that was just a die diligence thing with the fanbase. They dod not want him back
And those were his first choives.
None of this has anything to do with what you said above. It’s also not true. But keep believing nonsense if it’ll make you feel better.
The circus is in town. More clowns
Real men who like to get laid. Your hand is lying to you.
And those were his first choices.
I don’t think Realmuto is worthy of anything near what Posey got – first of all, the Giants signed Posey well before he was turning 30 so they got his most productive years during the bulk of the contract. Then, if you compare both players during their first 5 years in the league, there is not much comparison (esp given that Posey lost most of the 2011 season to injury) …
Realmuto: .278 avg, 84 HR, 326 RBI, 511K, 2-AS, 2-Silver Slugger, 1 Gold Glove
Posey – .308 avg, 83 HR, 352 RBI, 324K, 2-AS, 2-SS, 1-GG, 1-ROY, 1-MVP, 3-WS Titles!
Key difference is Posey signed an early career extension while Realmuto will likely go to free agency. Posey would have made a lot more if he had gone to free agency.
“I want him more than anything, so that’s what we need to do as an organization”. Sounds like the NBA!
Flaccid
JT is the best catcher in baseball. Get the deal done! If there is no season this year, he walks without playing another game for the Phillies.