DURABILITY 

JT is an exceptional athlete which shows up daily at a high levels. Yes, for sure- JT is getting older but it’s his availability virtually every day is one of Realmuto’s defining traits.  Since entering the league in 2014, no Major League catcher has caught more innings that JT Realmuto. The defensive workload he has absorbed combined with the cumulative physical demands of baseball’s most taxing position is actually quite extraordinary.  Across his 13 season so far he has amassed over 11,500 innings behind the plate with only three meaningful stints on the IL. These were a left hand bone bruise, Covid related illness and a right knee meniscus which required surgery in 2024.  So far in 2026 he has missed some playing time with back soreness but not enough to warrant IL time. This limited amount of missed playing time is unheard of for a catcher and attests to his availability and durability. JT’s durability is one his greatest strengths, however there are indications by the Phillies this season that they are shifting and asking whether Realmuto can still catch every day to, how can they best preserve his value over the remaining years of this contract . Currently he has caught 71% of all games, where in 2025 game time participation finished at over 81%.