Phillies Search for Catcher to Reduce Realmuto's Workload

Philadelphia is looking for a new backup catcher to share duties with J.T. Realmuto.

General Manager Dave Dombrowski indicated at his year-end press conference that the team intends to reduce Realmuto's playing time. This move follows a 2026 season in which the veteran caught over 1,000 innings for the eighth time in his career. His defensive metrics have slipped in recent years. Realmuto finished 2026 with minus-five defensive runs saved and zero framing runs. His 65 OPS+ placed him well below the league average of 100.

The Phillies re-signed Realmuto last offseason to a three-year, $45 million deal. He remains the starting catcher for the next two seasons. Dombrowski stated that the organization emphasizes defense over offense at the catching position. This priority shapes the current search for a new backup.

Garrett Stubbs is no longer with the club. The team designated the 33-year-old for assignment last week. Stubbs plans to elect free agency if he clears waivers. Rafael Marchán, who is arbitration eligible, remains in the mix. He posted five defensive runs saved and a six fielding run value in 2026. However, Marchán has hit .158 in 196 at-bats since the start of the 2025 season. He is out of minor-league options, which limits his flexibility.

Ryan Jeffers appears to be the top available option. The 29-year-old hit 14 home runs and posted an .814 OPS for the Minnesota Twins in 2026. He caught 674 1/3 innings, a lighter load than Realmuto. Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported in January that the Phillies considered Jeffers as a trade target when Realmuto was a free agent. Jeffers is expected to sign a multi-year deal with another club.

Carson Kelly caught 848 1/3 innings for the Chicago Cubs in 2026. He posted a .713 OPS, which is 99 points higher than Realmuto's mark. Kelly is likely seeking a starting role rather than a backup position. Austin Hedges, 34, offers a different profile. He has 93 career defensive runs saved. In 2026, Hedges hit seven home runs and posted a .702 OPS for the Cleveland Guardians. His defensive rating dropped to minus-four DRS last season, though he has historically been an excellent defender.

Christian Vázquez, 36, won a World Series with Dombrowski in 2018. He played for the Houston Astros in 2026, where he hit .207 with a .583 OPS. Vázquez recorded six defensive runs saved and a three fielding run value. Kyle Higashioka homered seven times in 165 at-bats for the Texas Rangers in 2026. He posted a .676 OPS but recorded minus-two defensive runs saved and a minus-four fielding run value.

Tyler Stephenson, 30, has struggled defensively throughout his career with the Cincinnati Reds. He posted a .757 OPS over seven seasons. James McCann, 37, has played 13 seasons. He posted a 110 OPS+ as the backup for the Arizona Diamondbacks over the past two seasons. The Phillies will weigh these options against the need for defensive stability and offensive support.