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Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto predicted by MLB players as one of best catchers using ABS in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason didn’t exactly go fully to plan. They missed out on Bo Bichette and had to quickly pivot back to J.T. Realmuto, much to the chagrin of some Phillies fans.
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It was an understandable reaction, as the Phillies running it back again isn’t exactly the best news. However, there is one reason why fans should be excited about what Realmuto can bring for the team in 2026 beyond his hitting, baserunning, and catching ability.
As Jared Greenspan of MLB.com shared, Major League players predicted that Realmuto would be one of the best catchers using ABS challenges this season, right in lock-step with the top vote-getter in Cal Raleigh.
J.T. Realmuto might be best catcher at ABS challenge
“Name one catcher you think will be really good at challenges. 1. Cal Raleigh (SEA): 16 votes. 2. J.T. Realmuto (PHI): 15 votes,” Greenspan shares.
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Realmuto was second only to Raleigh for the catchers that most Major Leaguers expect to benefit the most from the new ABS challenges in place for the 2026 season.
Despite this being Realmuto’s 13th season in the Majors, he looks poised for an even bigger impact behind the plate.
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Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Realmuto has already shown he’s ready for ABS challenges this season.
During the spring, he’s a perfect six-for-six on challenges, turning balls into strikes. As The Athletic’s Matt Gelb notes, “three of those challenges have resulted in a strikeout.”
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Realmuto has already made an impact for the Phillies with ABS challenges this spring, and during the regular season, there should be immense confidence that the veteran catcher will have a feel for the strike zone that can bring a huge impact this season.
