MLB Rumors: Phillies Thanksgiving Post May Have Dashed Hopes Of Realmuto Return

Sports leagues, personalities and teams normally greet fans and followers in some kind of way on social media during holidays. The Philadelphia Phillies did that as well when they wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving this week. However, there was one high-profile player noticeably missing from the post: J.T. Realmuto.

Considering the 29-year-old rejected the Phillies qualifying offer tendered earlier this month, chances of seeing the two-time All-Star return for the next MLB season are close to none. Realmuto was extended an $18.9 million qualifying offer.

Regardless, Phillies fans were hoping for a turnaround, but that Twitter post may have officially shut it out.

Seeing as how Realmuto is technically not with the team, excluding him is understandable. The graphic included Alec Bohm, JoJo Romero, Spencer Howard and Connor Brogdon. That post can be viewed below.

That post drew criticism from several fans on social media. Most were disappointed by Realmuto’s exclusion, with one tweeting, “The only correspondence we’d like this holiday season is, ‘Phillies Ink Realmuto’.”

Fans were already disappointed with the Phillies' efforts to keep Realmuto. Most branded it as a half-hearted pursuit with Philadelphia likely wary of a big payday due to the 2019 Golden Glove awardee, NBC Philadelphia reported.

As mentioned in a previous report, Realmuto will be one of the hotly-pursued free agents this MLB offseason. Among the teams exploring options with the 29-year-old catcher are the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and the Washington Nationals.

Though not considered an explosive player, Realmuto is someone who has proven that he can be an asset on both ends. He is seen as a perfect fit for the Blue Jays and could join a mix that includes Danny Jansen, Reese McGuire and Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.

The Nationals are a team that tried to get Realmuto in the past. They tried to deal for him two years ago when he was still with the Miami Marlins. That never prospered, and most feel that Washington will revisit and try to get him for the 2021 MLB season.

The Mets could also use help behind the plate, clearly showing that Realmuto will not fall short of options. The only question now is which team can offer him an acceptable package moving forward.