J.T. Realmuto DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson wants to preserve catcher J.T. Realmuto's body this season, which will almost certainly mean that he will catch fewer games in 2025. "I don't have a specific number I want to catch. There's no perfect answer, no way to know how my body is going to feel. Where I stand right now, there's no reason I shouldn't be able to catch (120 games). My body feels as good right now as it ever has," Realmuto said. The 33-year-old has caught 130 games in three of his five full years with the Phillies, but that number dropped to 99 in 2024 after he had surgery on his meniscus in June. He stole only two bases last year stealing 37 the previous three years. On days he doesn't catch in 2025, the Phillies would like him to DH and play first base and possibly left field. With Realmuto likely to run less again in 2025, his fantasy stock as an aging catcher has taken a hit, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 12 fantasy backstop.

As expected, Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (knee) is catching and batting fifth for the Phillies on Friday against the division-rival New York Mets and left-hander Jose Quintana at Citizens Bank Park. Realmuto fouled a ball off his left knee and hasn't played for the Phillies since Sept. 6. The 33-year-old veteran backstop is obviously feeling better now, though, and will be ready for a crucial divisional series this weekend in Philly. Realmuto missed time earlier this summer after having minor knee surgery as well, and it appears to have sapped him of a lot of power. The three-time All-Star has only 12 long balls on the year and has driven in 40 while slashing .266/.322/.425 in 86 total games. Still, Realmuto needs to be returned to all fantasy lineups. In 14 career at-bats against Quintana, he's hitting .286 with a .912 OPS, a homer and an RBI.

Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (knee) could play by the start of the series against the division-rival New York Mets on Friday, according to manager Rob Thomson. Realmuto still has some swelling and fluid in his bruised left knee. The Phillies hoped that Realmuto could test his knee by catching a bullpen session on Monday, but that will wait until at least Tuesday. The 33-year-old has so far been able to avoid the 10-day injured list, but he's missing a third straight game on Monday. If Realmuto isn't able to return during the upcoming weekend series against New York, there's a good chance the Phillies will put him on the IL and hope to have him fully healthy for the start of the playoffs in October. Garrett Stubbs will continue to serve as Philly's starting catcher until the swelling in Realmuto's left knee goes down.