The Philadelphia Phillies are cruising into 2025 with a roster that spotlights star-level veterans. While age isn’t on their side, these seasoned pros still possess a formidable blend of skill and power, enough to give any team a run for their money come playoff time.

However, there’s a balancing act in play — maximizing the immediate impact of these stars while strategizing for their longevity. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the catcher position, where endurance and preservation are the name of the game in a grueling 162-game season.

Enter J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies’ stalwart behind the plate.

Known for his ironman mentality, Realmuto has long been the backbone of the team’s defense, always ready to catch more innings despite the taxing demands. Over the winter and spring training, skipper Rob Thomson floated the idea of giving Realmuto more downtime.

Whether that meant rotating him into a designated hitter role or even experimenting with him in the outfield, relaxing that relentless pace was on the table. Although Realmuto wasn’t thrilled, he’s a team player willing to embrace changes for the bigger picture.

The Phillies face a dilemma, however. They don’t have an obvious successor to step in and deliver the same defensive brilliance or provide a solid bat in the middle of their lineup.

Despite initial plans for reduced playing time, Realmuto finds himself logging a similar workload as last season. By the end of April, he racked up 26 games — matching his 2024 pace — and appeared as designated hitter just once.

While his early stats of a .237/.308/.361 slash line with two homers, eight RBIs, nine runs, and four stolen bases suggest a slow start, it’s his tenacity that the Phillies bank on.

At 34, Realmuto isn’t defying time indefinitely. His resilience is renowned, but it’s worth noting that a knee injury last year kept him sidelined for nearly six weeks.

The Phillies have to walk a tightrope, ensuring he’s utilized efficiently without overexerting him. More rest could even inject a fresh boost into his offensive stats, something both the player and team would welcome.

Realmuto is in the last year of his hefty five-year, $115.5 million contract. The prospect of future negotiations no doubt fuels his determination.

His continued performance might just be the key to securing another significant deal. Meanwhile, the Phillies must ensure they’re neither overtaxing their star catcher nor detracting from the legacy he’s building with the team.

In Philadelphia, it’s all about finding that perfect balance to keep both the player and team at peak performance.