The Philadelphia Phillies have been dominant throughout the season, maintaining their upward trajectory and garnering attention as a potential World Series contender among fans and media alike.
Despite their strong performance thus far, there remains a significant portion of the baseball season ahead, where unforeseen events can alter a team’s fortunes after strong starts.
Unfortunately, the Phillies recently faced a setback with J.T. Realmuto opting for surgery, sidelining him for at least the next month. Realmuto has been pivotal to Philadelphia’s success, excelling defensively behind the plate while contributing significantly offensively. His absence will require the Phillies to find a way to fill his considerable shoes.
In response to this challenge, Zach Presnell of FanSided has proposed a potential solution: acquiring Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen via trade. Presnell suggests the Phillies could offer right-hander Griff McGarry and catcher Caleb Ricketts in exchange for Jansen. While this trade wouldn’t come at an exorbitant cost, it raises questions about its viability given Realmuto’s expected return in a month.
Jansen has showcased solid performance this season with the Blue Jays, boasting a .264 batting average, five home runs, and 16 RBIs in just 38 games played. Even with Realmuto’s eventual return, Jansen could provide valuable depth, offering flexibility to the lineup and allowing Realmuto necessary rest periods.
However, Jansen’s acquisition would likely be short-term, as his contract expires at season’s end and a long-term extension with the Phillies seems improbable. Nevertheless, adding Jansen could mitigate the impact of Realmuto’s injury and strengthen the Phillies’ depth as they pursue a deep playoff run.
While speculative, Presnell’s proposal presents a logical option for Philadelphia to consider if they seek to bolster their roster aggressively in response to Realmuto’s injury.