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Salisbury: Urgency builds for Phillies -- “We’re all aware of Father Time,” J.T. Realmuto says

February 14, 2025

Sep 27, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) looks out to the crowd during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- When the Phillies open their 143rd regular season March 27 in Washington, they will have a 34-year-old on the mound and a 34-year-old behind the plate.
As Everyday Joes, Zack Wheeler and J.T. Realmuto are in the prime of their lives, but as ball-playing major leaguers … well, you know, they’re getting up there a wee bit. Not finished by any means, but on the back nine of their playing careers.
A quick scan of the Phillies roster shows that a good chunk of the nucleus that has played in three straight postseasons without cashing in on a World Series title is north of 30.
Wheeler actually turns 35 in May. Realmuto turns 34 in mid-March. Nick Castellanos turns 33 in March. K...

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