JT Realmuto Just Benefited From MLB and MLBPA's Reported Service-Time Agreement in a Major Way

Because of the way the coronavirus has been ravaging not just the sports world, but the entire planet over the past few weeks, the MLB and MLBPA have been working to figure out baseball's next steps. According to reports, the two sides are expected to reach an agreement which would see players earn a full year of service time for the 2020 season.

The loss of service time will have varying impacts on players throughout the league, but one player who could wind up benefiting is JT Realmuto.

JT Realmuto is apparently seeking 5yrs/$130 million, $26 a year might be slightly high but I could see 5/120
— Alec Kostival (@KostivalonBase) March 18, 2020

The All Star catcher was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in February 2019 and had a great year, hitting .275 with 25 home runs, 83 RBI, and 92 runs. However, over the winter, he lost his arbitration hearing against the Phillies and is being paid $10 million for 2020 despite having been seeking $12.4 million.

Despite his loss in arbitration, Realmuto and the Phillies have been exploring the idea of a very lucrative contract extension. With the notion that this season, however many games end up being played, will be counted as a full year of service time, Realmuto will be able to get back to the open market at the end of the season and make progress towards resetting the market for catchers, which is something he's keen on achieving.

Realmuto has six years of @MLB service time. Lost his arbitration hearing. Will he buck this major trend? Is three decades more than just a “trend”? https://t.co/tpQlomBxq0 pic.twitter.com/IRXmXXPVDK
— PHILLIES BELL (@philliesbell) February 20, 2020

The MLB is facing circumstances never before seen amid the outbreak of COVID-19, and while some teams may suffer from losing out on service time of players, there are individuals, like Realmuto, who stand to benefit in a major way.