During his press conference announcing the reassignment of former general manager Matt Klentak, Philadelphia Phillies managing partner was fairly open in his assessment of J.T. Realmuto’s future – the team would like him back, but they aren’t prepared to write a blank check for his services.
In what amounted to his season-ending meeting with the media, Middleton acknowledged that the Phillies expect Realmuto will test free agency, and the financial repercussions of COVID-19 could affect how much the team is willing to spend to retain him.