A potential catching upgrade becomes available for the Phillies

After having one of the best catching groups in baseball over the course of J.T. Realmuto's tenure in Philadelphia, the Phillies' catching crew has taken a massive step back.

Realmuto, Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs have a combined .178 batting average with an OPS of .500. The group has combined for four home runs and 38 hits.

Since Realmuto is under contract through the conclusion of the 2028 season, the Phillies are locked in long-term. However, having Stubbs and Marchan on the roster means the team can get creative.

Thanks to the Kansas City Royals, the team has a new option to consider.

Elias Diaz

After being designated for assignment, veteran catcher Elias Diaz rejected an assignment to the Royals' minor leagues. 

Opting to try and find a job at the big league level, Diaz took a gamble, one that the Phillies could use to their advantage.

The 35-year-old only played in 10 games with Kansas City this season. In those games he hit .227 with an .852 OPS and two home runs. 

For reference, Realmuto leads the Phillies' catchers with an OPS of .602.

Diaz is a former All-Star with the Colorado Rockies. In fact, he won the 2024 All-Star Game MVP award.

Phillies need depth

While this move would not shake the course of baseball history, it would provide a quality backup option to Realmuto on the Phillies.

Diaz is a veteran backstop who can handle the pitching staff that the Phillies display on a night-to-night basis. The offense as a whole is what is holding back the club from truly being an elite contender.

Will a backup catcher be the difference between a World Series title or not? Chances are slim.

Diaz would sign for the minimum and join a Phillies club that is pushing towards the postseason.

Over the course of a 162-game season, having a viable backup option to spell Realmuto is one the Phillies must consider.