One would think that, after making the World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies and playing 139 games plus the postseason in 2022, J.T. Realmuto would be somewhat tired, or rusty after the offseason.
Think again.
The All-Star catcher seems to be in midseason form already.
On Friday, he hit a mammoth home run against the Detroit Tigers in spring training play.
Who else lost the ball on this J.T. Realmuto homer? 🙋♂️
(via @Phillies)pic.twitter.com/v8H749ZWee
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 3, 2023
The ball hasn’t landed yet, or at least we didn’t see it.
So, to answer the tweet’s question: yes, we lost the ball, too.
Realmuto has been one of the best players in the league when we combine offensive contributions with defense.
He is a master of his craft behind the plate, but he also knows what he is doing as a hitter.
Last season, he slashed .276/.342/.478 with 22 home runs and even 21 stolen bases.
Combine that with his leadership skills, his accurate and strong arm and his framing prowess and you get an elite player.
Realmuto will be representing the United States in the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic, too.
He will do it proudly, and it would be a very cool achievement for him to win it.
When he returns, he will try to lead the Phillies back to the Fall Classic.
They fell just two wins short of the title last year, but lost against a better team.
It may be revenge time in 2023, though.
The Phils added Trea Turner, another elite player, to the mix this year, and the pitching rotation remains elite.
It really seems like 2023 could be their year.
NEXT: Phillies Manager Shares Concerning Andrew Painter Update
