Philadelphia Phillies veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto remains one of the most productive backstops in the league, but he could soon be trying a new position.
Realmuto and Phillies manager Rob Thomson recently discussed the possibility of him playing left field. After a knee injury limited him to 99 games last season, the 34-year-old has only ever caught and played first base at the major league level.
“I’m sure I’ll shag some balls at some point,” Realmuto told reporters Friday, per the Phillies’ official website.
J.T. Realmuto: “At the end of the day, I’ll do whatever it takes for this team to win. So if he wants me to go out there and stand on my head, I’ll try to do that.”
(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/WM7GHnk0r1
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) February 15, 2025
However, Phillies fans are not enthusiastic about the idea. On Reddit, many expressed skepticism and frustration over Realmuto potentially getting outfield reps in the coming months.
“This is the problem with having an aging team that wants to DH half their lineup,” one user wrote. Another added, “It’s not like Realmuto’s bat is so crucial that they NEED him in the lineup on his off days from catching.”
Realmuto hit .266 with 14 home runs and 47 RBI in 2024, but his .751 OPS was his lowest since 2015.
Thomson explained how the idea came up: “I said, ‘You ever think about playing the outfield?’ He said, ‘Well, I think I move around pretty good. I’m willing to try anything.’”
While Realmuto and Thomson appear open to experimenting, the fanbase remains unconvinced. One commenter argued, “Sitting him more is a better option than having him fumbling around the outfield.”
Some fans suggested an alternative—swapping roles between Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who played left field in the past and even caught in the minors. However, Schwarber, who only played five games in the field last season, hasn’t caught in an MLB game since 2019.
“Like [Thomson] said, it was just an idea,” Realmuto noted.
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