Spring training is moving forward, teams are scrambling to put the final touches on their rosters, and the MLB rumor mill is working overtime.
There’s still plenty of wheeling, dealing, and long-term planning happening behind the scenes.
So, let’s break down the latest buzz from around the league.
Will the Phillies and Realmuto Get a Deal Done?
J.T. Realmuto has been one of the steadiest catchers in the game for nearly a decade, and as he enters the final year of his contract, there’s mutual interest in keeping him in Philadelphia.
The 34-year-old backstop has been rock solid for the Phillies, posting a 115 OPS+ over the last three seasons and averaging a strong 4.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
In other words, he’s still producing at a high level, and the Phillies know it. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that both sides are open to hammering out an extension before Realmuto even sniffs the free-agent market.
“Obviously, I have interest in coming back to the Phillies,” Realmuto told Lauber. “I love being here. My wife loves it here, my family. Their friends are all in the organization.”
That’s the kind of statement that makes you think a deal is possible—if not likely. The financial comparison here? Think back to when Yadier Molina landed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Cardinals at a similar point in his career. Realmuto could be looking at something in that ballpark, if not more.
With key players like Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez also approaching free agency, the Phillies have some big decisions ahead. But locking up a cornerstone catcher would be a solid start.
Bo Bichette and the Blue Jays: No Talks Yet
If Phillies fans can take solace in Realmuto’s willingness to stick around, Blue Jays fans might not be as lucky with Bo Bichette.
The 27-year-old shortstop told MLB.com that he hasn’t had any contract discussions with the Jays as he nears his walk year. And while he’s not ruling out staying in Toronto long-term, he’s also not dwelling on it.
“We haven’t had any talks,” Bichette admitted. “I’m just focused on what I’ve got to do this year to help the team win and be the best version of myself.”
It makes sense that Toronto hasn’t rushed into negotiations. Bichette is coming off the worst season of his career—his 71 OPS+ was a steep drop-off from his usual production, and he finished below the replacement level threshold. That’s not the type of season that gives either side a lot of leverage in extension talks.
Perhaps the Blue Jays are waiting to see if he bounces back before making a long-term commitment. And let’s not forget that they have another major free-agent decision looming with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The front office could be prioritizing those discussions instead.
Royals Lock Up Cole Ragans
One team that is making moves? The Kansas City Royals.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, they just locked in left-hander Cole Ragans with a three-year, $13.25 million deal.
Before anyone gets too excited, this isn’t an extension in the traditional sense—it doesn’t add extra years of team control.
Instead, it simply locks in Ragans’ salary for the next three MLB seasons, covering his first two arbitration-eligible years.
For the Royals, this is all about financial certainty. And for Ragans, it’s a nice bit of security.
The 27-year-old has been lights-out since coming over from the Rangers in a trade for Aroldis Chapman back in 2023. In 44 starts with Kansas City, he’s posted a stellar 3.00 ERA with a strong 3.32 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
And while Texas went on to win the World Series, the Royals have to feel good about this deal from their perspective.
They turned a veteran reliever into a potential front-line starter. That kind of move can pay dividends for years to come.
What’s Next For Those MLB Teams?
With spring training set to begin, teams are shifting their focus from roster-building to on-field performance.
But make no mistake—plenty of moves still need to be made. Will the Phillies and Realmuto finalize an extension before Opening Day?
Can Bichette bounce back and earn himself a long-term deal? And what’s next for the Blue Jays, Phillies, and Royals as they gear up for the grind of a 162-game season?
