Sign JT, Dammit!

The fans are making their feelings crystal clear, like this guy driving around Citizens Bank Park on Monday. The Phillies NEED to sign catcher JT Realmuto to a long-term contract. But it looks like they're going to let him explore free agency and risk losing him to someone like the Mets. The Mets. Let that sink in.

John Middleton needs to unveil Stupid Money 2.0 and sign the best catcher in baseball. The Phils will have the money to spend. Jake Arrieta's $25 million per year comes off the books after this season. Give to JT. Hell, he'll play at least 130 games instead of getting maybe 30 starts from Jake.

Actress and Phillies fan Ellen Adair even penned a prayer for JT's signing. 

And she's absolutely right. Who the hell is gonna catch is Realmuto is allowed to leave? Andrew Knapp and his career .663 OPS? Deivy Grullon with all of NINE career MLB at bats? Remember, they gave up the organization's best prospect, Sixto Sanchez, and a major league catcher, Jorge Alfaro. How happy will you be watching Sanchez making 30 starts a year for the Marlins while we're stuck with Knapp and Grullon?

Bryce Harper got paid and loves Realmuto. He's been wearing a JT shirsey during summer camp and absolutely wants him in red pinstripes. It would be nice to keep the superstar happy. 

This team will not go anywhere without JT. They might not go anywhere with him. But I like this team's chances a lot better if Realmuto is on the roster. If GM Matt Klentak doesn't sign Realmuto, he doesn't deserve the job. You can't trade your best prospect for 1.3 years of the best catcher in baseball. SIGN JT!