3 best Phillies moves Dave Dombrowski has made since coming to Philadelphia
By Tim Boyle
2) Best Phillies moves under Dave Dombrowski: Re-signing J.T. Realmuto
It’s hard to picture J.T. Realmuto with any other team at this point. Even if he has more games as a member of the Miami Marlins, Realmuto has been a tremendous fit with the Phillies over the last four seasons. He had a chance to slip away after the 2020 season, but Dombrowski made sure he remained in Philadelphia.
Conveniently, there are three more years on Realmuto’s deal as well. He’s a high-priced catcher already in his 30s. The concern of him declining quicker than most players is present because of the beating catchers take.
Realmuto has continued to prove those concerns are premature. He had one of his better years in 2022. A seventh-place finish in the MVP race along with a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove showcase how important he is to the team and in the league.
There was little doubt the Phillies needed to bring back Realmuto once he did hit the open market. Two years with him wasn’t enough even if they already look like they will come away winners in the trade with the Marlins which first brought him to Philadelphia.
As one of the game’s best all-around players, Dombrowski earned early brownie points by retaining this star backstop. It is turning out to be a wise decision even if it was an easy one to make.