Realmuto interested in signing extension with Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto is hoping to remain with the club beyond the 2025 campaign.

Realmuto is entering the final season of the five-year, $115.5-million contract he signed in 2021. The Phillies acquired him from the Miami Marlins ahead of the 2019 season.

"Obviously I have interest in coming back to the Phillies," Realmuto said, according to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I love being here. My wife loves it here, my family. Their friends are all in the organization. So, there's certainly interest on our end. I would hope the Phillies have interest, as well."

The Phillies are also interested in extending their partnership with Realmuto beyond this season, sources told Lauber.

Realmuto registered a 109 OPS+ with 14 home runs, 50 runs scored, and 47 RBIs in 99 games last season.

"We'll see what happens in spring training. I know it's a popular time to get extensions done," Realmuto said. "There's definitely interest for me. I love this organization, and it's one that I'm certainly proud to be a part of."

The 33-year-old has been excellent in six seasons with the Phillies: Realmuto has made a pair of All-Star Game appearances and won two Gold Gloves with 109 home runs, 382 RBIs, and 65 stolen bases in 699 games as a Phillie.

Realmuto would join Kansas City Royals stalwart Salvador Perez as the marquee free-agent catchers on the market next offseason.