The first thing they’ll need to do is retain their core. Bleacher Report’s Erik Beatson believes they’ll start with J.T. Realmuto, who will earn an extension due to his chemistry with the roster.

“Realmuto is beloved in Philadelphia, a staple of the team and one of the better catchers in the league. He is a workhorse who is behind the plate far more often than not and a stable part of the Phillies’ offense…A staple of the City of Brotherly Love since coming over from Miami in 2019, he has been as popular a player as there is and unless he can find an offer to go elsewhere, compete for a World Series title, and find a team willing to overpay him for diminishing numbers, it would behoove him to work with the team and find some common ground on a contract that will keep him there for the rest of his career,” Beatson wrote.

This season, Realmuto finished slashing .257/.315/.384/.700 with 26 doubles, 12 homers, and 2 RBI in 134 games played. He provides a good bat and a great catching glove for a great pitching staff.

If the Phillies and Realmuto are smart, they’ll work on a medium-length, discounted deal that sees Realmuto stay in a Philly uniform until he decides he wants to hang it up. After all, he deserves it.