J.T. Realmuto... Phillies Outfielder?

The Phillies veteran star core is advancing in age. One of their veteran stars is catcher J.T. Realmuto. Heading to free agency after the 2025 season, the Phillies could be looking for ways to get Realmuto at bats, while minimizing the wear and tear that comes with the catching position. Could that mean Realmuto plays the outfield?

That is a possibility for 2025. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that the idea has been discussed:

Phillies manager Rob Thomson and Realmuto have talked about creative ways to manage Realmuto’s workload to keep him healthy and effective throughout the final year of a five-year, $115.5 million contract.

One of those ideas has him shagging fly balls in left field.

Realmuto will turn 34-years-old next month.

Realmuto has 51 major league appearances at first base. But with Bryce Harper firmly planted at that position, and Kyle Schwarber firm at the designated hitter position, there are not too many other options.

From June 10 to July 21, Realmuto was on the injured list after knee pain became knee surgery.

The Phillies once made a similar move with a catcher wearing number 10. Darren Daulton began the 1996 season as the Opening Day left fielder after knee injuries took the catching position away from him. After just five games in left field, Daulton ended up back on what was then known as the Disabled List and out for the season.

Then in 1997, after a brief stint as the backup first baseman, Daulton took to right field to fill the void held by new signee Danny Tartabull. Daulton played 70 games in right field before being traded to the Florida Marlins.

Daulton batted .264 with 11 home runs for the 1997 Phillies prior to the trade.

Could Realmuto do it too?

A lot could depend on what help the Phillies have behind the plate. The two candidates to be the other catcher on the roster are currently switch-hitter Rafael Marchan and lefty Garrett Stubbs.

Stubbs has a minor league option, while Marchan is out of minor league options, which could contribute to the final decision.

Injuries have helped keep Marchan from being much of a prospect, but he has impressed when healthy in his time in the big leagues. The upside of Marchan makes him the favorite over Stubbs.

A healthy Marchan could play against lefties and rights, allowing the Phillies to give Realmuto more than the day off per week he might otherwise get.

Then that ask the question, who else would sit from the outfield?

That could mean that new acquisition Max Kepler would have to spend some time on the bench. But it could be a way of getting a right-handed bat in the lineup against a tough lefty. However, Kepler batted 36 points higher against lefties compared to righties in 2024.

There's no formal plan for this to take place, but the Phillies head into 2025 at least open-minded about the possibility.