Phillies insider stresses why J.T. Realmuto tops Kyle Schwarber on priority list

Philadelphia Phillies insider Scott Lauber believes that J.T. Realmuto is significantly harder to replace in the lineup than Kyle Schwarber. Lauber suggests the Phillies should prioritize Realmuto due to his position, workload and overall scarcity of top catchers.

Lauber is the Phillies and MLB reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He shared his thoughts about Realmuto and Schwarber on Monday's episode of "Phillies Talk" at the 2025 Winter Meetings in Orlando.

"Crazy as it sounds, I think Kyle Schwarber is probably easier to replace just because you could pivot to, let's say, Pete Alonso, right? Who is a sort of a mirror-image power hitter," Lauber said (Timestamp: 22:05). "Their numbers are very similar over the last four years. Alonso is actually younger, two years younger. I think he turned 31 yesterday."

Lauber pointed out that Alonso plays at first base, helping the Phillies to have him and Bryce Harper share duties. The insider also said Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker are potential replacements for Kyle Schwarber.

"I don't know where you go if you don't bring back J.T. Realmuto, really, just because it's hard to find good catching," he added. "This is not a position that they've had to really look hard at over the last several years because, you know, J.T. Realmuto is going to play 120 or 130 games."

J.T. Realmuto is among the best backstops of his generation. After debuting for the Miami Marlins in 2014, Realmuto joined the Phillies in 2019. The 34-year-old slugger is a three-time All-Star and also a winner of two Gold Glove and three Silver Slugger Awards.

Meanwhile, Kyle Schwarber played the last four seasons with the Phillies. In that span, Schwarber earned two All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger Award. Notably, he led the NL in homers two times.

On Tuesday, Schwarber re-signed with the Phillies. According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, the deal is worth $150 million over five years.

Ex-Phillies GM gave a surprising landing spot for Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto

Last Tuesday, former Philadelphia Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. gave a surprising prediction on "Phillies Show," co-hosted by insiders Todd Zalecki and Jim Salisbury. Amaro suggested a certain NL Central team should acquire both Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto.

"If the Cincinnati Reds really are serious about being a contender, you sign JT (Realmuto) and then you follow it up with signing Kyle Schwarber," Amaro Jr. said (Timestamp: 12:38). "They're best friends. They really care for each other."

Amaro acknowledged that signing both Schwarber and Realmuto would be a financially uphill task for the Reds, but he said it is possible. However, insider Jim Salisbury doesn't think the move is realistic.