J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto is still on track to set a record catcher contract.
The Philadelphia Phillies may have been holding out hope that the free-agent market would not resemble those of past years due to the COVID-19 pandemic — thus allowing them to re-sign perennial All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto on a cheaper deal.
If there is any indication that will not be the case, consider the free-agent signing made on Monday by the Chicago White Sox, who inked dominant closer Liam Hendriks to a three-year deal for $39 million, along with a fourth-year club option for $15 million.