J.T. Realmuto had one of the best defensive seasons for a Phillies catcher. On Monday he was rewarded for his efforts. Major League Baseball named Realmuto as the National League Gold Glove winner for the position of catcher. It is the first time in his career that Realmuto won the Gold Glove.
Realmuto is the first Phillie to win the Gold Glove award since 2012, and the first Phillies catcher to win it since Mike Lieberthal won the award in 1999. Realmuto threw out 43 runners attempting to steal. That is 16 more than the next catcher in baseball. Realmuto threw out 47% of the would-be base stealers.
Not only is he good, but Realmuto is also reliable. He is rarely taking a game off. Corey Seidman wrote that Realmuto caught a league-high 1139 innings and that the only player close to Realmuto was Yasmani Grandal, who caught 123 innings fewer. Congrats to the Best Catcher on Baseball. Now Matt Klentak, do the right thing and sign him to a long term deal.
Other Moves
Phillies wasted no time in freeing up some roster space. They made official moves that we all expected to happen. Jared Hughes, Pat Neshek, and Jason Vargas all have had their options declined by the club, making those players free-agents.
Additionally, the Phillies outrighted the following five players who elected for free agency. They are Jared Eickhoff, Mike Morin, Blake Parker, Phil Gosselin, and Edubray Ramos. The Phillies also reinstated Odubel Hererra from the restricted list.
Lastly, Jake Arrieta has exercised his option for the final year of his three-year deal. It comes as no surprise as Arrieta is due $20 million for the 2020 season. Arrieta has been a disappointment for the past two years. Here is hoping that the Phillies can get some starting pitching help so that Arrieta can be a bottom of the rotation guy.
The offseason continues as the Free Agency period has begun, however, we really won’t expect much in terms of signings until at least the winter meetings in December. Still, as we found out last year, big-name free agents can hold off until March. Stay tuned and be patient. The off-season is upon us.
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
