Philadelphia Phillies: JT Realmuto trade was needed before spring training

The Philadelphia Phillies made a huge trade with the Miami Marlins by dealing Jorge Alfaro and two minor leaguers for JT Realmuto.

Not only did Philly need a catcher that can hit, but they needed a player that has been in The Show for several years now who can help the Phils young staff.

It was a must to get Realmuto in the red pinstripes before spring training begins next week.

The Phillies have a ton of young arms and so the more JT Realmuto can get to know them and develop a great rapport, the easier calling a game will be as a member of the Phillies.

With three of the five NL East teams getting new starting catchers (Braves are excluded since Tyler Flowers is back) it was important to acknowledge the value a good, all-around starting catcher has in baseball.

Philly needed to make more moves as they continue to wait to see where Bryce Harper and Manny Machado will sign in free agency.

The Phils remained aggressive and gave up a prospect Sixto Sanchez, a 20-year old, who probably won’t see a lot of work in the big leagues until about two years down the road.

Philly also parted with Alfaro, a young backstop who had potential.

But, there’s a reason why the Phitins brought in Wilson Ramos during last summer. They needed more out of the catcher position.

It’s been a long time since the Phis had a catcher that could hit and play some defense.

Mike Lieberthal is well-known throughout the City of Brotherly Love and Carlos Ruiz had one really good offensive year. However, fans have seen the likes of Chris Coste, Cameron Rupp and Ruiz struggle to swing the bat and so getting a player of Realmuto’s caliber was a no-brainer.

We’ve seen how great or good catchers are key components to a World Series champion.

Jason Varitek, Yadier Molina, Buster Posey, Salvador Perez, Wilson Contreras/David Ross combo, and Brian McCann have not only hit the baseball in their careers, but they’ve helped their pitching staffs get comfortable in big moments.

Philly has plenty of work to do in order to reach the World Series, but getting a player like JT Realmuto fixes a lot of problems and brings added focus to a young staff.

The Phillies are trying to contend for the playoffs and they want their players to go into spring training with as much help and energy as possible.