Ranking the 10 worst contracts in the National League East

9) Worst contracts in the NL East: J.T. Realmuto

The Phillies have been one of the big spenders in baseball the last couple of years, signing guys like Harper, Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto.

Realmuto was the best catcher in baseball for a couple of seasons and is still among the three or five best. He's a good hitter and elite defender behind the plate. His athleticism is part of what makes him so special.

Unfortunately at age 31, Realmuto's athleticism will be on the decline shortly if it isn't already. Despite his late hot streak, the contract he has still won't age particularly well.

Realmuto signed a five-year $115.5 million dollar deal in the 2021 offseason. The first two years of the deal have been solid, but not at the level he was in 2019 when he was a Gold Glover, a Silver Slugger Award Winner, and a top 15 finisher for NL MVP.

Realmuto is making $23.8 million dollars for each of the next three seasons after this one. A catcher in his mid 30's even with Realmuto's athleticism is very unlikely to play up to the contract.

The Mets were in play for Realmuto but settled for a lesser catcher who is on a worse contract, so the Phillies could be in a worse position than they are with a catcher who's still very good right now.