MLB insider lists Rangers as potential free agent destination for this catcher

When the Texas Rangers decided to non-tender World Series hero Jonah Heim in November, it was clear they would be looking to the free agent market to fill the void behind the plate. There are no major league-ready prospects within the organization and several suitable veteran replacements looking for new homes this winter.

One of those backstops is former J.T. Realmuto, who has been a staple for the Philadelphia Phillies, but could be heading in a different direction this offseason. Realmuto is an unrestricted free agent coming off the final year of a five-year $115 million deal signed in 2021.

An insider tabs the Rangers as a potential landing spot for Realmuto

The Athletic's Jim Bowden, reports that Realmuto is looking for a two-year deal, and the Rangers and Red Sox are two teams that have expressed interest. He also believes that, ultimately, Realmuto will work out a deal to return to the Phillies.

Nabbing Realmuto would be a coup for the Rangers as the 34-year-old from Oklahoma is approaching his 13th MLB season and is considered one of the best offensive catchers on the market.

For his career, Realmuto is a .270 hitter with 180 home runs and 677 RBIs. His career slash line of .270/.328/.447 is much better than anything the Rangers have had at the position in recent years and would provide a massive upgrade as a middle of the lineup plug and play guy.

Realmuto had a down year in 2025, and could be gotten relatively cheaply

In 2025, Realmuto hit just .257 with 12 homers and 52 RBIs over 134 games. It was his least productive season as a hitter since 2016 when he was a member of the Miami Marlins.

Realmuto is a three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover who was shown plus-defense and an innate ability to handle veteran pitching staffs like the one he would step into if he were to sign with the Rangers this winter.

The only concern is the downward trajectory that Realmuto has shown over the past three seasons when his power numbers have decreased each season and he is hitting his mid-30s.