By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Philadelphia Phillies have made significant additions to their 25-man roster for the 2019 season, from Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto in the field, to David Robertson, Juan Nicasio, Jose Alvarez and James Pazos in the bullpen.
RELATED | Phillies Acquire J.T. Realmuto
While impressive, none of the acquisitions adequately fulfill Managing Partner John Middleton's statement made earlier this offseason that the club will spend "stupid money." Such pledge could still happen through signing either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, both of whom remain free agents with just days until spring training begins.
In conversation with reporters on Thursday following the Realmuto trade, Phillies General Manager Matt Klentak said that acquiring the catcher does not take the Phillies "out of the free-agent market by any stretch."
.@JimBowdenGM really likes the trade between the #Phillies and #Marlins for @JTRealmuto.
"This guy is going to be like Yelich." pic.twitter.com/SHm2LPnYTy
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 8, 2019
“This is another acquisition that demonstrates our commitment to winning," Klentak said, "I hope that demonstration would be appealing to free agents."
The biggest free agent available that the Phillies would want to appeal to would be Harper, who reportedly "loves" Realmuto. Marlins.com's Joe Frisaro said Wednesday that acquiring Realmuto could "enhance" the Phillies' chances to sign the outfielder.
Klentak called Realmuto the "best catcher in baseball," and that the Phillies believe acquiring him "considerably" improves them. “It’s hard to acquire top players at any position, especially catcher,” Klentak said.
Those close to Realmuto have recently told the Phillies GM of the high level of confidence pitchers have in the 2018 All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner. Pitchers are also confident they can throw balls in the dirt because they know Realmuto can block them.
Thus far through his five-year career, the Del City, Oklahoma, native has a .309/.356/.492 career slash away from Marlins Park, with 59 doubles, 12 triples, 37 home runs, 137 RBI, and 62 walks spanning 280 games. In 260 career Marlins home games, Realmuto slashed just .245/.294/.384 with 55 doubles, four triples, 22 home runs, 106 RBI and 60 walks.
"He will have a really big impact on our group," Klentak told reporters.
“I’d be lying if I told you we didn’t think playing half his games in Citizens Bank Park would make him better."
The Phillies will introduce Realmuto in Clearwater on Tuesday, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury. Who knows, maybe after the Realmuto acquisition, Harper will want to join him at the press conference table donning Phillies red.
