Free agency in the MLB is certainly heating up. Philadelphia Phillies star JT Realmuto looks to be the next big name who's going to be signing on the dotted line. and as it appears, the 29-year-old appears to be gunning for a long-standing Phillies contract record currently held by the great Joe Mauer.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, JT Realmuto is looking for an extension in the range of a whopping $115 million:

Multiple reports this week suggest that the Phillies have extended five-year offers in the $100-110 million range. JT Realmuto is said to be seeking a deal that would set a new standard for average annual value at his position, a mark currently held by Joe Mauer ($23 million). For a five-year deal, that means something just north of $115 million.

It was previously reported that Philly was preparing a bid for JT Realmuto in the range of $100 million, which as it turns out, falls a tad short of the highly-touted catcher's valuation of himself.

The Phillies seem intent on bringing back JT Realmuto for 2021, so it seems likely that they will opt to cover the deficit.

It is worth noting that Philadelphia appeared to have a change of heart with regards to Realmuto's extension upon the arrival of new President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. The team didn't offer JT Realmuto an extension when they had a chance, and instead, waited for him to hit free agency.

Perhaps Dombrowski convinced the front office that re-signing JT Realmuto would be in the team's best interest — a move that's now going to cost them a fortune.

The Phillies have hit their heads on a low ceiling the past few seasons. The Washington Nationals won the World Series in 2019, and the Atlanta Braves came within one win of making the World Series in 2020, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games in the National League Championship Series. JT Realmuto matters to Philadelphia's plans, but should it matter this much?